■? 


\ 


& 


( 


THE 


CONSTITUTION 


OF  THE 

PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH 

IN  THE 

UNITED  STATES  OF  AMERICA. 

CONTAINING, 
THE  CONFESSION  OF  FAITH, 

THE  CATECHISMS, 

and  the 

DIRECTORY  FOR  THE  WORSHIP  OF  GOD : 

TOGETHER  WITH 

THE  PLAN  OF  GOVERNMENT  AND  DISCIPLINE, 

AS    AMENDED    AND    RATIFIED    BY    THE    GENERAL    ASSEMBLY    AT    THEIR 
SESSIONS  IN  MAY,  1805. 


PHILADELPHIA: 
PRINTED  FOR  AND  PUBLISHED  BY  W.  W.  AVOODWARD, 

CORNER  OF  SECOND  AND  I'HKSMT  STREETS. 
Griggs  o*  Dickinsons,  Printers. 

1815. 


District  of  Pennsylvania,  to  "wilt 

BE  IT  REMEMBERED,  That  on  the  twenty-fifth  day  of  March 
in  the  thirtieth  Year  of  the  Independence  of  the  United  States  of 
America,  A.  D.  1806,  the  Reverend  Ashbel  Green,  D.  I),  the  Reverend 
Nathaniel  Irwin,  and  Ebenezer  Hazard,  on  behalf  of  the  Trustees  of 
the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United 
States  of  America,  of  the  said  District,  have  deposited  in  this  office, 
the  Title  of  a  Book  the  Right  whereof  they  claim  as  Proprietors  in 
the  words  following-,  to  wit : 

u  The  Constitution  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United 
"  States  of  America,  Containing  the  Confession  of  Faith,  the  Cate- 
"  chisms,  and  the  Directory  for  the  worship  of  God :  together  with 
"  the  Plan  of  Government  and  Discipline  as  amended  and  ratified 
"  by  the  General  Assembly  at  their  Sessions  in  May,  1805." 

In  conformity  to  the  Act  of  the  Congress  of  the  United  States, 
intituled  "  An  Act  for  the  encouragement  of  learning,  by  securing 
the  copies  of  Maps,  Charts,  and  Books  to  the  authors  and  proprie- 
tors of  such  copies  during  the  times  therein  mentioned."  And  also 
to  the  Act  entitled  "  An  Act  supplementary  to  an  Act  entitled  "  An 
Act  for  the  encouragement  of  learning  by  securing  the  copies  of 
Maps,  Charts,  and  Books  to  the  authors  and  proprietors  of  such  copies 
during  the  times  therein  mentioned,"  and  extending  the  benefits 
thereof  to  the  Arts  of  designing,  engraving,  and  etching  historical 
and  other  Prints. 

D.CALDWELL,  Clerk 
■tf  the  District  of  Pennsylvania* 


1 

PAGF, 

ADOPTION*,  .         .         .         .         .        .  87,  191 

Apocrypha,  not  of  the  canon  of  scripture,  ...  16 

Assembly,  General,  of  the       . 359 

Commissioners  to  the  .         .         .  385 

to  meet  annual!}',  mode  of  dissolving,         .      387 

Assurance  of  grace  and  salvation,         .         .         .         .86,  198,  ih. 

attainable  in  this  life 87,  83 

may  be  shaken,  diminished,  and  intermitted.       .  89 

B 

BAPTISM, .       128,284,333 

dipping  not  necessary  in  ....  129 

subjects  of  .'....       129, 285,  333 

not  essential  to  salvation,  .         .         .         .  13Q 

its  efficacy  not  confined  to  the  time  of  administration,  131 
to  be  but  once  administered       ....  131 

how  to  be  improved,  ....  285 

of  the  administration  of,  ....  404 

Believers,  cannot  finally  fall  from  grace,  .         .         .         .      197 

benefits  they  receive  from  Christ, 

Bishops  or  Pastors,  of,  345 

election  and  ordination  of,      .         .         .  36Y 

c 

CALL,  a,  form  of,             359 

may  be  subscribed  by  elders  and  deacons  in  case,  Sec.  370 

sufficient  both  for  ordination  and  instalment.         .          .  37^ 

must  be  presented  to  the  presbytery,         .         ,         .  $~i 
Calling,  effectual,             .        .        .                         .         59,182 

Candidates,  of  licensing, j^j 

moniaU  to  be  produced  by,            .        .        .  3^4 

•  "      •         .         .  .364 

to  study  divinity  two  years,      ....  3(35 

Engagements  required  of,        ....  365 

Catechism,  I  ].j9 

'■*         ...... 

Christ  the  Mediator, 49  168 

his  Humiliation,  .... 


IV. 


INDEX. 


Christ,  his  Death,  Resurrection,  Ascension,  &c. 

his  offices, 

the  Efficacy  of  his  Obedience  and  Sacrifice, 
his  exaltation,  ..... 

Benefits  of  his  work  of  Redemption  com-  "> 
municated  before  his  incarnation,  } 

acts  according  to  both  his  natures, 
effectually  applies  his  redemption,  and  how, 
of  the  Union  which  the  Elect  have  with, 

Church,  of  the, 

the  purest,  subject  to  mixture  and  error, 
the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  the  only  head  of, 

Censures, 

wherefore  necessary, 
wherein  they  consist, 
of  the  mode  of  inflicting, 
Officers,  power  of,  ... 

of  the  Officers  of  the, 
Ordinances  in  a  particular, 
Government  of,  .... 

Clerks,  of, 

Commandments,  Rules  for  understanding  the, 

the  ten, 

no  man  able  perfectly  to  keep  the, 
Commissioners  to  the  General  Assembly,     . 
Confession  of  Faith,         ...... 

Congregations,  vacant,  of  their  assembling  for  worship, 
Conscience,  God  alone  the  Lord  of,  and  has  left  it  free, 

Covenant  of  works, 

grace,     

differently  administered, 
not  two,  but  one, 

Creation, . 

Creed,  the,  .-        .         .         . 


PAGE. 

52,  54 

172,  320 

54 

177,  321 

.       54 

55 

55 

185 

119,  184,  343 

121 

.     122 

137 

.      138 

139 

.      411 

137 

.     345 

348 

.      350 

384 

.      211 

214,  324,  336 

.      331 

385 

13 

.    '      384 

.        98 

44 

45,  166,  1& 

46,  47,  167 

48 

32 

.     338 


D 

DEACONS,  of,  ... 

of  electing  and  ordaining, 
Dead,  of  the  burial  of  the, 

Death,  of, 

Decrees  of  God,  of  the, 


348 
362 
421 
201 
26,  155,  318 


Divinity,  Candidates  must  study  two  years  before  License,  .   .    365 

Divorcer  of,      ...                 116,  117 

E 

EFFECTUAL  CALLING,             59,186 

of  special  grace  alone  60 

Elders,  ruling,  of, ,  347 

of  electing  and  ordaining, 362 

Elect  infants  saved  by  Christ,                                         <  61 


INDEX. 


Elect  of  their  union  with  Christ, 

only,  effectually  called, 
Election, 


PAGE 

185 

187 

32 


FAITH,  the  Confession  of, 
of  saving,      . 

its  Operation  and  Effects, 
implicit,  not  to  be  required, 
Family  W  >rship,  Directory  for, 
Fasting1,  of  the  observation  of  Days  of, 
Free  Will,  


G 

GOD,  Doctrine  concerning", 
Government,  Form  of,  . 

Introduction  to, 
Grace,  Covenant-of,       .         • 
ordinary  means  of, 


13 
71,  190,  331 

71 

99 
424 
422 

57 


21, 152,  318 

339 

333 

45 

275,  332 


INF  \NTS,  elect,  saved  by  Christ,  .  61 

Instalment  institutes  the  pastoral  Relation,         .         .         .  377 

manner  of,  and  engagements  at,  .         .  378,  >79 

Judgment,  of  the  last, 143,  ii,U4.  90S 

Design  and  consequences,  .         144,  1 45 

Judicatories  (Church)  the  several  kinds  of,  .  >J0 

Justification, 62,  188, 322 

Faith  the  Instrument  of,  ....  64 

the  Fruit  of  Chrisv's  obedience,  ...  64 

of  tree  Grace,  as  to  the  subject,        ...  65 

obtained  through  the  influence  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  66 

State  of,  c  tnnot  be  fallen  from,  ...  66 

the  same  under  the  Old  and  New  Testaments,     .  67 


LAW  of  God,  of  the, ,  91 

moral,  for  ever  binding  upon  all  men,  ...  93 

given  to  Adam,  use  of,  under  the  Gospel,         .         .  96 

Liberty,  Christian  ;  and  of  Conscience,  ....  9S 

in  what  it  consists,  .  .  .  .99,  101 

does  not  admit  sinful  practices,         .         .  99 

nor  disobedience  to  lawful  authority,      .      99,100 

License,  Form  of, 366 

Lice."  r  of, 366 

Lord's  I)  y,  of  the  S  .notification  of  the,  ....         397 

Supper,  the  design  of  the,       ....     132,287,333 
Benefit*  received  from  the*       .... 
who  may  not  be  admitted  to  the, 


vi  INDEX. 

page; 

Lord's  Supper,  preparation  for  the,        -  289,  334 

cases  respecting  the,  stated,         •        -         «.    290,291 

the  duty  of  Christians  at,  and  after  the,    -         292,  293 

of  the  Administration  of  the,      -  406 

M 

MAGISTRATE,  of  the  Civil,  112 

Christians  may  execute  the  office  of,         -  112 

may  not  administer  the  word  ")  --- 

and  Sacraments,  &c.  3 

may  protect  the  church,  &c.     -  113 

people  to  pra>  for,  &c.  -        -        -        114,115 

Ecclesiastics  not  exempt  from  his  Authority,        115 

^Jan,  created  holy,  but  peccable,       -  33 

of  the  Fall  of, '         40,161,319 

of  God's  Covenant  with,  -*  -        -      44,160,320 

State  of,  after  Death,  -        -         -        -        -        -   ^  141 

Duty  required  of,  in  Scripture,  ....    207,  323 

his  chief  end, 317 

not  able  perfectly  to  keep  the  commandments  of  God,       -    331 

Marriage,  of; 116,  117 

of  the  Solemnization  of,  .        .        .  416 

Minister,  of  a  Translation  of  a,  ...  375 

Missions,  of,     -         - 380 

Moderators,  of,  --------        381 

their  authority  and  duty,  -        -        -  381 

Ministers,  perpetual,  of  Church  Sessions,      -        382 

how  to  be  chosen, 382 

Moral  Law,  the,  what  it  is, 207,  324 

its  use,  208,209,210 

wherein  comprehended,        -  211, 324 

o 

OATHS,  a  part  of  religious  worship,         -  108 

Ordinances  in  a  particular  Church,         .....         348 

Ordination,  Trials  for, 371 

Engagements  required  at,            ...        372, 374 
Mode  of,         -  374 

P 

PARENTS,  first,  the  guilt  of  their  sin  im-  >  ^ 

puted  to  their  posterity,         5 

Pastoral  Charge,  Resignation  of  a,  ....  279 

Perseverance  of  the  Saints, 83,  197 

depends  on  the  decree  of  Election,       -        -  83 

Prayer,  how,  for  what,  and  for")  103     gQ  29g  3Q()  334 

whom,  to  be  made,       5  1UJ'  ^°>  ^>  °UU'  °J4 

the  Lord's, 301, 336,  337 

of  Public, -  400 

Preaching,  of, 403 


INDEX,  vii 

Predestination,  •  -28 

this  doctrine  to  be  handled")  m  ^l 

with  special  prudence,         3 

Presbyter}-,  of  the, 354 

Privilege,  of,  

Probationers,  of  licensing", 363 

Testimonials  of,  - 

Process,  Forms  of, -         389 

against  a  Bishop  or  Minister,        -  393 

Providence,  of,  -        -         -         -        -         -  34,159,318 

Psalms,  singing  of,  a  part  of  worship,        - 

of  singing, --        399 

R 

REDEEMER  of  the  elect,  who, 320 

Religion,  natural,  the  insufficiency  of,  -         -         -        -         135 

Repentance  unto  life,  -    "     -         -         •         •         74, 193,  331 

Reprobation, 30 

Resurrection  of  the  body,         ....       141, 142,  2C 
Resignation  of  a  pastoral  charge, 379 

s 

SABBATH,  of  the, 101,106,107 

Sacraments,  of  the,       -        -        -  124,  282,  283,  284,  285,  332 

the  design  of  the, 125 

efficacy  of  the,  depends  on  the  work  of  the  Spirit,       126 
only  two  instituted  by  Christ,  may  not  be  >  M        -  2~ 

dispensed  but  by  an  ordained  minister  :  > 

of  the  Old  Testament  substantially  >  n  97 

the  same  with  those  of  the  New,  3  ' 

Saints,  of  the  perseverance  of  the,  83,  197 

of  the  Communion  of  the,  -  122,  188, 199,  200,  201 

Sanctification, 69,  192,  322 

Scriptures,  of  the  holy, 13,  150 

to  be  finally  appealed  to  in  all  ") 
controversies  of  religion,      3 
to  be  translated  into  the  vulgar  ) 
language  of  every  nation,       3 
are  the  infallible  rule  of  their  own  interpretation,  20 

what  they  principally  teach,         -         -         .         .         317 
of  the  public  reading  of  the,  ...  399 

Sealing  Ordinances,  of  admission  to,  -  -  4 10 

Secret  Worship,  Directory  for, 404 

Session,  the  Church,  ---_... 

Sick,  of  the  visitation  of  the,  -  419 

Sin,  and  its  punishment,        -         -      40,  162,  164, 165,  2~4,  319,  331 
li  not  equally  heinous,  aggravations  ot,  -         .     262,331 

Spirit,  the,  how  it  helps  us  to  pray,         •-'.''..".         093 
the,  effectually  applies  the  RedempO  ,     ~ 

tion  purchased  by  Christ,  3  "        ■  .-M% 


Viii  INDEX. 

PAGE, 
Supererogation  impossible,  #■        *•  80 

Synods  and  Councils,  ~     f 139,  358 

their  Powers, 140 

may  err,  -  140 

not  to  meddle  with  civil  affairs  ?  -  .  1 

in  ordinary  cases,  3 

T 

THANKSGIVING,  of  the  observation  of  days  of,  -            422 

Translation   ot  a  minister  to  be  made  by  Presbytery,  -         -        375 

Mode  of  procedure  in,        -  376, 377 
Transubstantiation,  doctrine  of,  repugnant  ~> 
to  common  sense,       3 

Trinity,  doctrine  concerning  the,  25, 154, 318 

V 

VACANT  Congregations,  of  their  assembling  for  Worship,  384 

Vows, 108,  111 

\v 

WILL,  free,  of, 57 

to  spiritual  good,  lost  by  the  fall,       -        -  57 

recovered  by  grace,              -  58 

perfectly  free  to  good,  only  in  glory,            -                -  *60 
Word,  the,  how  made  effectual  to  salvation,        -        -            275,  332 
to  be  read  by  all,  and  how,           -        -        -        277,  278,  332 

by  whom  to  be  preached,  and  how,         ...  279 

how  to  be  heard, -        280, 332 

Works,  Covenant  of, 44 

good, 77 

evidences  of  Faith, 78 

ability  to  perform,  is  wholly  >  7 

from  the  Spirit  of  Christ,  $  J* 

have  no  merit,  but  are  accepted  }  Qn  Q1 

through  Christ,                         5          "        "  eu'  **X 

of  the  unregenerate  are  sinful,            ...  82 

Worship,  of  religious,               ------  101 

to  be  given  to  God  alone,        -----  102 

wherein  it  consists,              -  103 

not  confined  to  any  place,        -                                   -  105 

the  Directory  for, 397 

secret  and  family,  Directory  for,             •  424 


THE 

CONSTITUTION 

OF 

THE  PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH. 

THE 

CONFESSION  OF  FAITH- 
CHAPTER    L 

OF  THE  HOLY  SCRIPTURE. 

ALTHOUGH  the  fight  of  nature,  and  the 
works  of  creation  and  providence,  do  so 
far  manifest  the  goodness,  wisdom  and  power  of 
God,  as  to  leave  men  inexcusable2;  yet  they  are 
not  sufficient  to  give  that  knowledge  of  God,  and 
of  his  will,  which  is  necessary  unto  salvation b ; 

I.  *  Rom.  ii.  14,  15.  For  creation  of  the  world  arc  clear- 
vhen  the  Gentiles,  which  have  ly  seen,  being  understood  by 
not  the  law,  do  by  nature  the  the  things  that  are  made,  even 
'.hings  contained  in  the  law,  his  eternal  power  and  Godhr^r1; 
ihese,  having  not  the  law,  are  so  that  they  arc  without  ex- 
a  law  unto  themselves;  which  cuse. — Psal.xix.  1,  2.  The  hca- 
shew  the  work  of  the  law  vens  declare  the  glory  ot  God  ; 
written  in  their  hearts,  their  and  the  firmament  sheweth 
conscience  also  bearing  wit-  his  handy  work.  Day  unto  day 
ness,  and  their  thoughts  the  uttereth  speech,  and  night  unto 
mean  while  accusing,  or  else  night  sheweth  knowledge.  Ver. 
excusing  one  another.  Rom.  i.  3  Ukml  is  no  speed)  nor  lan- 
19,  20.  Because  that  which  guage,  where  their  voice  is  not 
may  be  known  of  God,  is  mani-  heard.  See  Rom.  i.  32.  with 
fest  in  them:  for  God  hath  Rom.  ii.  1. 
shewed  it  unto  them.  For  the  b  1  Cor.  i.  21.  For  after 
invisible  things  of  him  from  the   that,  in  the  wisdom  of  God,  the 

& 


14  The  Confession  of  Faith. 

therefore  it  pleased  the  Lord,  at  sundry  times, 
and  in  divers  manners,  to  reveal  himself,  and  to 
declare  that  his  will  unto  his  church c;  and  after- 
wards, for  the  better  preserving  and  propagating 
of  the  truth,  and  for  the  more  sure  establishment 
and  comfort  of  the  church  against  the  corruption 
of  the  flesh,  and  the  malice  of  Satan  and  of  the 
world,  to  commit  the  same  wholly  unto  writingd  ; 
which  maketh  the  holy  scripture  to  be  most  ne- 
cessary e ;  those  former  ways  of  God's  revealing 
his  will  unto  his  people  being  now  ceased f. 
II.  Under  the  name  of  holy  Scripture,  or  the 

world    by    wisdom    knew    not  aforetime,    were    written    for 

God,    it   pleased   God   by  the  our  learning ;  that  we,  through 

foolishness  of  preaching  to  save  patience   and  comfort   of  the 

them   that  believe.     1  Cor,   ii.  scriptures    might    have    hope. 

13,  14.    Which  things  also  we  Is.  viii.  20.     To  the  law  and  to 

speak,  not  in  the  words  which  the  testimony:   if  they  speak 

man's    wisdom    teacheth,    but  not  according  to  this  word,  it 

which  the  Holy  Ghost  teach-  is  because  there  is  no  light  in 

eth  ;  comparing  spiritual  things  them.     Rev.  xxii.  18. 

with  spiritual.   But  the  natural  e  2  Tim.  iii.  15.    And  that 

man  receiveth  not  the  things  from  a  child  thou  hast  known 

of  the  Spirit  of  God;  for  they  the  holy  scriptures,  which  are 

are  foolishness  unto  him:  nei-  able  to  make  thee   wise  unto 

ther  can  he  know  them,  be-  salvation,  through  faith  which 

cause  they  are  spiritually  dis-  is  in  Christ  Jesus. — 2  Pet.  i.  19. 

cerned.  We  have  also  a  more  sure  word 

c  Heb.  i.    1.     God,  who  at  of  prophecy ;  whereunto  ye  do 

sundry  times,    and    in    divers  well  that  ye  take  heed,  as  unto 

manners,  spake  in  time  past  un-  a  light  that  shineth   in  a  dark 

to    the    fathers    by    the   pro-  place,  until  the  day  dawn,  and 

phets.  the     day-star     arise    in    your 

d  Luke  i.  3,  4.  It  seemed  hearts, 
good  to  me  also,  having  had  f  Heb.  i.  1,  2  God,  who  at 
perfect  understanding  of  all  sundry  times,  and  in  divers 
things  from  the  very  first,  to  manners,  spake  in  time  past 
write  unto  thee  in  order,  most  unto  the  fathers  by  the  pro- 
excellent  Theophilus,  that  thou  phets,  hath  in  these  last  days 
mightest  know  the  certainty  of  spoken  unto  us  by  his  Son, 
those  things  wherein  thou  hast  whom  he  hath  appointed  heir 
been  instructed.  Rom.  xv.  4  For  of  all  things,  by  whom  also  he 
whatsoever  things  were  written  made  the  worlds. 


The  Confession  of  Faith. 


15 


word  of  God  written,  are  now  contained  all  the 
books  of  the  Old  and  New  Testament,  which  are 
these  : 


OF  THE  OLD  TESTAMENT. 


Genesis. 

Exodus. 

Leviticus. 

Numbers. 

Deuteronomy. 

Joshua. 

Judges. 

Ruth. 

L  Samuel. 

II.  Samuel. 

I  Kings. 

II  Kings. 

I.  Chronicles. 
II  Chronicles. 


Ezra. 

Nehemiah. 

Esther. 

Job. 

Psalms. 

Proverbs. 

Ecclesiastes. 

The  Song  of 

Songs. 
Isaiah. 
Jeremiah. 
Lamentations. 
Ez^kiel. 


Daniel. 

Hosea. 

Joel. 

Amos. 

Obadiah. 

Jonah. 

Micah. 

Nahum. 

Habakkuk. 

Zephaniah. 

Haggai. 

Zechariah. 

Malachi. 


OF  THE  NEW  TESTAMENT. 


The  gospels  ac- 
cording to 

Matthew. 

Mark. 

Luke. 

John. 

The  Acts  of  the 
jostles. 

Paul's  Epistles 
to  the  Romans, 

I  Corinthians. 

TL  Corinthians. 


Galatians. 

Ephesians. 

Philippians. 

Colossians. 

I  Thessaloniatts. 

II.  Thessalo- 

?iia?is. 
To  /.  Timothy. 
To  II.  Timothy* 
To  Titus. 
To  Philemon. 
The  Epistle  to 


The  Hebrexvs. 

The  Epistle  of 
James. 

The  first  and  se- 
cond Epistles 
of  Pettr. 

The  fir^t,  second 
and  third  Epis- 
tles of  John. 

The  Epistle  ol 
Jtide. 

The  Rivelut' 


16  The  Confession  of  Faith. 

All  which  are  given  by  inspiration  of  God,  tp 
fee  the  rule  of  faith  and  life  *. 

III.  The  books  commonly  called  Apocrypha 
not  being  of  divine  inspiration,  are  no  part  of  the 
canon  of  the  scripture ;  and  therefore  are  of  no 
authority  in  the  church  of  God,  nor  to  be  any 
otherwise  approved,  or  made  use  of,  than  other 
human  writings  h. 

IV.  The  authority  of  the  holy  scripture,  for 
which  it  ought  to  be  believed  and  obeyed,  depend- 
eth  not  upon  the  testimony  of  any  man  or  church, 
but  wholly  upon  God,  (who  is  truth  itself)  the  au- 
thor thereof;  and  therefore  it  is  to  be  received,  be- 
cause it  is  the  word  of  God  \ 

II.  *  Eph.  ii.  20.  And  are  things  concerning  himself.  Ver. 
built  upon  the  foundation  of  the  44.  And  he  said  unto  them, 
apostles  and  prophets,  Jesus  These  are  the  words  which  I 
Christ  himself  being  the  chief  spake  unto  you,  while  I  was 
corner-sto?ie.  Rev.  xxii.  18,  yet  with  you,  that  all  things 
19.  For  I  testify  unto  every  must  be  fulfilled  which  were 
man  that  heareth  the  words  of  written  in  the  law  of  Moses, 
the  prophecy  of  this  book,  if  and  in  the  prophets,  and  in  the 
any  man  shall  add  unto  these  psalms,  concerning  me.  2  Pet. 
things,  God  shall  add  unto  him  i.  21.  For  the  prophecy  came 
the  plagues  that  are  written  in  not  in  old  time  by  the  will  of 
this  book ;  And  if  any  man  man,  but  holy  men  of  God 
shall  take  away,  from  the  spake  as  they  were  moved  by 
words  of  the  book  of  this  pro-  the  Holy  Ghost. 

phecy,  God  shall  take  away  his  IV.  'l  2  Tim.iii.  16.  All  scrip- 
part  out  of  the  book  of  life,  ture  is  given  by  inspiration  of 
and  out  of  the  holy  city,  and  God,  and  is  profitable  for  doc- 
from  the  things  which  are  trine,  for  reproof,  for  correc- 
written  in  this  book.  2  Tim.  tion,  for  instruction  in  righte- 
iii.  16. — All  scripture  is  given  ousness.  1  John  v.  9.  If  we 
by  inspiration  of  God,  and  is  receive  the  witness  of  men,  the 
profitable  for  doctrine,  for  re-  witness  of  God  is  greater : 
proof,  for  correction,  for  in-  For  this  is  the  witness  of  God 
struction  in  righteousness.  which  he  hath  testified  of  his 

III.  h  Luke  xxiv.  27.  And  Son.  1  Thess.  ii.  13.  For  this 
beginning  at  Moses  and  all  the  cause  also  thank  we  God  with- 
prophets,  he  expounded  unto  out  ceasing,  because,  when  ye 
them  in  all  the  scriptures,  the  received    the   word   of   GocL 


The  Confession  of  Faith.  17 

V.  We  may  be  moved  and  induced  by  the  tes- 
timony of  the  church  to  an  high  and  reverend  es- 
teem for  the  holy  scripture  k  ;  and  the  heavenliness 
of  the  matter,  the  efficacy  of  the  doctrine,  the 
majesty  of  the  style,  the  consent  of  all  the  parts, 
the  scope  of  the  whole,  (which  is  to  give  all  glory 
to  God)  the  full  discovery  it  makes  of  the  only 
way  of  man's  salvation,  the  many  other  incom- 
parable excellencies,  and  the  entire  perfection 
thereof,  are  arguments  whereby  it  doth  abundantly 
evidence  itself  to  be  the  word  of  God  ;  yet,  not- 
withstanding, our  full  persuasion  and  assurance  of 
the  infallible  truth,  and  divine  authority  thereof, 
is  from  the  inward  work  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  bear- 
ing witness,  by  and  with  the  word,  in  our  hearts  \ 

VI  The  whole  counsel  of  God,  concerning 
all  things  necessary  for  his  own  glory,  man's  sal- 
vation, faith  and  life,  is  either  expressly  set  down 

which  ye  heard  of  us,  ye  re-  lie;  and  even  as  it  hath  taught 

ceived  it  not  as  the  word   of  you,    ye    shall   abide    in    him. 

men,  but  (as  it  is  in  truth)  the  John    xvi.     13,    14.       Howbeit, 

word  of  God,  which  effectually  when  he,   the  Spirit  of  truth, 

worketh  also  in  you  that  be-  is  come,  he  will  guide  you  into 

lieve.  all  truth  :  for  he  shall  not  speak 

V.  k  1  Tim.  iii.  15.     But  if  I  of  himself;  but  whatsoever  he 

tarry  long,  that  thou   mayest  shall  hear,  that  shall  he  speak ; 

know  how  thou  oughtest  to  be-  and  he  will  shew  you  things  to 

have   thyself   in  the  house  of  come. — He    shall   glorify   me: 

God,   which   is  the  church   of  for  he  shall  receive  of  mine,  and 

the  living  God,  the  pillar  and  shall  shew  it  unto  vou. — 1  Cor. 

ground  of  the  truth.  ii.  10,  11,  12.    But  God  hath  re- 

1  1  John  ii.   20.   27.     But   ye  vealed  than  unto  us  by  his  Spi- 

have  an  unction  from  the  Holy  rit ;  for  the  Spirit  searcheth  all 

One  and  ye  know  all  things. —  things,  vea  the  deep  things  of 

But  the  anointing  which  ye  have  God. — for  what  man  knoweth 

received  of  him  abideth  in  you,  the  things  of  a  man,  save  the 

and  ye  need  not  that  any  man  spirit  of  a  man  which  is  in  him? 

teach    you:    but    as  the    same  even    so    the    things    of 

anointing   teacheth  you   of   all  knoweth  no  man,  but  the  Spirit 

things,  and  is  truth,  and  is  no  of<3  d. 

B2 


18  The  Confession  of  Faith. 

in  scripture,  or  by  good  and  necessary  consequence 
may  be  deduced  from  scripture :  unto  which  no- 
thing at  any  time  is  to  be  added,  whether  by  new 
revelations  of  the  Spirit  or  traditions  of  menra. 
Nevertheless  we  acknowledge  the  inward  illumi- 
nation of  the  Spirit  of  God  to  be  necessary  for  the 
saving  understanding  of  such  things  as  are  reveal- 
ed in  the  word n ;  and  there  are  some  circumstan- 
ces concerning  the  worship  of  God,  and  govern- 
ment of  the  church,  common  to  human  actions 
and  societies,  which  are  to  be  ordered  by  the  light 
of  nature  and  christian  prudence,  according  to  the 
general  rules  of  the  word,  which  are  always  to  be 
observed  °. 

VI.  m  2  Tim.  iii.  16.  All  heard,  neither  have  entered  into 
scripture  is  given  by  inspiration  the  heart  of  man,  the  things 
of  God,  and  is  profitable  for  which  God  hath  prepared  for 
doctrine,  for  reproof,  for  cor-  them  that  love  him. — But  God 
rection,  for  instruction  in  righte-  hath  revealed  them  unto  us  by 
ousness:  Ver.  17.  That  the  his  Spirit :  for  the  Spirit  search- 
man  of  God  may  be  perfect,  eth  all  things,  yea  the  deep 
thoroughly  furnished  unto  all  things  of  God.  Now  we  have 
good  works. — Gal.  i.  8.  But  received,  not  the  spirit  of  the 
though  we,  or  an  angel  from  world,  but  the  Spirit  which  is 
heaven,  preach  tfny  other  gos-  of  God ;  that  we  might  know 
pel  unto  you  than  that  which  the  things  that  are  freely  given 
we  have  preached  unto  you,  to  us  of  God. 
let  him  be  accursed. — 2  Thess.  °  1  Cor.  xi.  13,  14.  Judge 
ii.  2.  That  ye  be  not  soon  in  yourselves :  Is  it  comely  that 
shaken  in  mind,  or  be  troubled,  a  woman  pray  unto  God  un- 
neither  by  spirit,  nor  by  word,  covered  ?  Doth  not  even  nature 
nor  by  letter,  as  from  us,  as  itself  teach  you,  that  if  a  man 
that  the  day  of  Christ,  is  at  have  long  hair,  it  is  a  shame 
hand.  unto  him?  1  Cor.  xiv.   26.   40. 

n  John  vi.  45.  It  is  written  How  is  it  then,  brethren  ?  when 
in  the  prophets,  And  they  shall  ye  come  together,  every  one  of 
be  all  taught  of  God.  Every  you  hath  a  psalm,  hath  a  doc- 
man  therefore  that  hath  heard,  trine,  hath  a  tongue,  hath  a 
and  hath  learned  of  the  Father  revelation,  hath  an  interpreta- 
cometh  unto  me.  1  Cor.  ii.  9,  tion.  Let  all  things  be  done  to 
10.  12.  But  as  it  is  written,  edifying.  Let  all  things  be  done 
Eye  hath   not  seen,  nor  ear  decently  and  in  order. 


The  Confession  of  Faith.  19 

VII.  All  things  in  scripture  are  not  alike  plain 
in  themselves,  nor  alike  clear  unto  all p;  yet  those 
things  which  are  necessary  to  be  known,  believed, 
and  observed,  for  salvation,  are  so  clearly  pro- 
pounded and  opened  in  some  place  of  scripture 
or  other,  that  not  only  the  learned,  but  the  un- 
learned, in  a  due  use  of  the  ordinary  means,  may 
attain  unto  a  sufficient  understanding  of  them  q. 

VIII.  The  Old  Testament  in  Hebrew,  (which 
was  the  native  language  of  the  people  of  God  of 
old)  and  the  New  Testament  in  Greek,  (which  at 
the  time  of  the  writing  of  it  was  most  generally 
known  to  the  nations)  being  immediately  inspired 
by  God,  and  by  his  singular  care  and  providence 
kept  pure  in  all  ages,  are  therefore  authentical r ; 
so  as  in  all  controversies  of  religion  the  church  is 
finally  to  appeal  unto  them  \  But  because  these 
original  tongues  are  not  known  to  all  the  people 
of  God  who  have  right  unto  and  interest  in  the 
scriptures,  and  are  commanded  in  the  fear  of  God, 
to  read  and  search  them  \  therefore  they  are  to  be 

VII.  p  2  Pet.  iii.  16.  As  also  one  tittle  shall  in  no  wise  pass 
in  all  his  epistles,  speaking  in  from  the  law,  till  ail  be  ful- 
them  of  the^e  things,  in  which   filled. 

are  some  things  hard  to  be  un-  »  Is.  viii.  20    To  the  law  and 

derstood,  which  they  that  are  to  the  testimony ;  if  they  speak 

unlearned  and  unstable  wrest,  not  according  to  this  word,  it 

as  they  do  also  the  other  scrip-  is  because  there  is  no  light  in 

tures,  unto  their  own  destine-  them.    Acts  xv     15.     And   to 

tion.  this  agree  the  words  of  the  pro- 

*  fcsal.  cxix.  105.     Thy  word  phets  ;  as  it  is  written,  John  v. 

is  a  lamp  unto  my  feet,  and  a  46    For  had  ye  believed  Moses, 

light  unto  my  path.     Ver.  130.  ye    would   have   believed   me: 

The  entrance  of  thy  words  giv-  for  he  wrote  of  me. 

eth  light  ;  it  giveth  understand-  f   John    v.    29      Search   the 

ing  unto  the  simple.  scriptures  ;    for    in     them    ve 

VIII.  r  Matt.  v.  18.^  For  ve-  think  ye  have  eternal  life  ;  and 
rily  I  say  unto  yon.  Till  hea-  they  are  they  which  testify 
ven  and  earth  pass,  one  jot  or  of  me. 


20  The  Confession  of  Faith. 

translated  into  the  vulgar  language  of  every  nation 
unto  which  they  come u,  that  the  word  of  God 
dwelling  plentifully  in  all,  they  may  worship  him 
in  an  acceptable  manner  w,  and,  through  patience 
*and  comfort  of  the  scriptures  may  have  hope  x. 

IX.  The  infallible  rule  of  interpretation  of 
scripture  is  the  scripture  itself;  and,  therefore, 
when  there  is  a  question  about  the  true  and  full 
sense  of  any  scripture,  (which  is  not  manifold,  but 
one)  it  may  be  searched  and  known  by  other  pla- 
ces that  speak  more  clearly  y. 

X.  The  supreme  Judge,  by  whom  all  contro- 
versies of  religion  are  to  be  determined,  and  all 
decrees  of  councils,  opinions  of  ancient  writers, 
doctrines  of  men,  and  private  spirits,  are  to  be 

«  1  Cor.  xiv.  6.  9.  11,  12.  24.  tongue,  let  it  be  by  two,  or  at 
27,  28.  Now  brethren,  if  I  the  most  by  three,  and  that  by 
come  unto  you  speaking  with  course  ;  and  let  one  interpret — 
tongues,  what  shall  I  profit  you,  But  if  there  be  no  interpreter, 
except  I  shall  speak  to  you  let  him  keep  silence  in  the 
either  by  revelation,  or  by  church ;  and  let  him  speak  to 
knowledge,  or  by  prophesying,  himself  and  to  God. 
or  by  doctrine?— So  likewise  w  Col.  iii.  16.  Let  the  word 
ye,  except  ye  utter  by  the  of  Christ  dweil  in  vou  richly  in 
tongue  words  easy  to  be  under-  all  wisdom;  teaching  and  ad- 
stood,  how  shall  it  be  known  monishing  one  another  in 
what  is  spoken?  for  ye  shall  psalms,  and  hymns,  and  spiri- 
speak  into  the  air.  Therefore  tual  songs>  singing  with  grace 
if  I  know  not  the  meaning  of  in  r  hearts  t0  the  Lord. 
the  voice,  I  shall  be  unto  him  ;  «  ,„!,„«.„„ 
that  speaketh  a  barbarian,  and  8  R°m'  xv«  4  F£  whatso" 
he  that  speaketh  shall  be  a  ever  things  were  wnt^rfore- 
barbarian  unto  me.-Even  so  time  were  written  for  our  learn- 
ye,  for  as  much  as  ye  are  zeal-  ™gj  that  we,  through .patience 
ous  of  spiritual  gifts,  seek  that  and  comfort  of  the  scriptures 
you  may  excel  to  the  edifying  miSht  have  hope, 
of  the  church  —But  if  all  pro-  IX.  *  Acts  xv.  15.  And  to 
phesy  and  there  come  in  one  this  agree  the  words  of  the  pro- 
that  believeth  not,  or  one  un-  phets ;  as  it  is  written.  John 
learned,  he  is  convinced  of  all,  v.  46.  For  had  ye  believed 
he  is  judged  of  all— -If  any  Moses,  ye  would  have  believed 
maa  speak    in    an  unknown  me :  for  he  wrote  of  n\e. 


The  Confession  of  Faith.  21 

examined,  and  in  whose  sentence  we  are  to  rest, 
can  be  no  other  but  the  Holy  Spirit  speaking  in 
the  scripture  \ 

X.  *  Matt  xxii.  29,  31.  Jesus  phets,  Jesus  Christ  himself  b£- 
answered  and  said  unto  them,  mg  the  chief  corner-*^;??. 
Ye  do  err,  not  knowing  the  Acts  xxviii.  25.  And  when 
scriptures,  nor  the  power  of  they  agreed  not  among  them- 
God. — But  as  touching  the  re-  selves,  they  departed,  after 
surrection  of  the  dead,  have  ye  that  Paul  had  spoken  one  word, 
not  read  that  which  was  spoken  Well  spake  the  Holy  Ghost  by 
unto  you  by  God  ?  Eph.  ii.  20.  Esaias  the  prophet  unto  our 
And  are  built  upon  the  founda-  fathers, 
tion  of  the   apostles  and  pro- 


CHAPTER  II. 

OF  GOD,  AND  OF  THE  HOLY  TRINITY. 


T 


HERE  is  but  one  only a  living  and  true  God b, 
who  is  infinite  in  being  and  perfection c,  a 

I.   a  Deut.    vi.    4.     Hear,    O  10 — But  the  Lord  is  the  true 

Israel,   the    Lord   our   God  is  God,  he  is  the  living  God,  and 

one  Lord  ;  1  Cor.  viii.  4,  6.    As  an  everlasting  King, 

concerning   therefore   the  eat-  c  Job  xi.    7,  8,   9.  and  xxvi. 

ing  of  those  things-that  are  of-  14.     Canst    thou    by  searching 

fered  in    sacrifice    unto    idols,  find   out  God?  Canst  thou  tind 

we  know  that  an  idol  is  nothing  out  the  Almighty  unto  perfec- 

in  the  world,  and  that  there  is  tion  ?-— //    is    high    as  heaven, 

none  other  God  but  one.     Rut  what   canst  thou    do?    deeper 

to  us  there  is  but  one  God,  the  than     hell ;    what    canst    thou 

Father,  of  whom  are  all  things,  know?  The  measure  thereof  /* 

and  we  in  him  ;  and  one  Lord  longer    than    the    earth,     and 

Jesus  Christ,  by  whom  are  all  broader  than  the  sea — Lo- these 

things,  and  we  by  him.  are  parts  of  his  ways  ;  but  how 

b  1  Thess.  i.  .9 — Ye  turned  little  a  portion  is  heard  of  him  ? 

to  God  from  idols,  to  serve  the  but  the  thunder  of  his  power, 
Dg  and  true  God.     Jer.   x,  xwho  can  understand  ? 


22 


The  Confession  of  Faith. 


most  pure  spiritd,  invisible e,  without  body,  parts ', 
or  passions  g,  immutable  h,  immense  \  eternal k,  in- 
comprehensible ',  almighty"1,  most  wisen,  most 
holy  °,  most  free  p,  most  absolute q,  working  all 

t  d  John  iv.  24.     God  is  a  Spi-  turning.    Mai.  iii.  6.     For  I  am 

rit,  and  they  that  worship  him,  the  Lord,  I  change  net. 

must  worship  him  in  spirit  and  »  1  Kings  viii.    27.     But  will 

in  truth.  God  indeed  dwell  on  the  earth  ? 

e  1  Tim.  i.  .17.  Now  unto  the  behold,  the  heaven,  and  heaven 

King  eternal,  immortal,  invisi-  of  heavens  cannot  contain  thee, 

ble,  the  only  wise  God,  be  ho-  how  much  less  this  house  that 

nour,  and  glory,  for  ever  and  I  have  builded?  Jer.  xxiii    23, 

ever.    Amen.  24.    Am    I    a    God    at   hand, 

f  Deut.  iv.  15,  16.    Take  ye  saith  the  Lord,  and  not  a  God 

therefore  good  heed  unto  your-  afar  off?  Can  any  hide  himself 

selves ;  for  ye  saw  no  manner  in  secret  places  that  I  shall  not 

of  similitude  on  the  day   that  see  him  ?  saith  the  Lord.     Do 

the   Lord   spake   unto  you  in  not  I  fill    heaven  and  earth? 

Horeb  out  of  the  midst  of  the  saith  the  Lord, 

fire. — Lest   ye    corrupt   your-  k  Psalm  xc.  2.     Before   the 

selves,  and  make  you  a  graven  mountains  were  brought  forth, 

image,  the  similitude   of   any  or  ever  thou  hadst  formed  the 

figure,  the  likeness  of  male  or  earth    and    the    world ;    even 

female.     Luke  xxiv.    39.    Be-  from  everlasting  to  everlasting, 

hold   my  hands  and  my  feet ;  thou  art  God.     1  Tim.   i.    17. 

that  it  is  I  myself ;  Handle  me  Now,    unto  the   King  eternal, 

and  see;  for  a  spirit  hath  not  immortal,    invisible,   the    only 

flesh  and  bones,  as  ye  see  me  wise  God,  be  honour  and  glory 

have.    John  iv  24.  for  ever  and  ever.     Amen. 

6  Acts    xiv.    II.    15.      And  l  Ps.  cxlv.  3. — His  greatness 

when    the    people    saw  what  is  unsearchable. 

Paul    had   done,    they  lift   up  m  Gen.  xvii.    1. — I   am  the 


Almighty   God;    walk    before 
Rev. 


their    voices,     saying    in    the  _ 

speech  of  Lycaonia,  The  gods  me,  and  be.thou  perfect. 

are  come  down  to  us  in  the  iv.  8. 

likeness  of  men. — And  saying,  n  Rom.  xvi  27.  To  God  only 

Sirs,  why  do  ye  these  things  ?  wise,    be    glory  through  Jesus 

We  also  are  men  of  like  pas-  Christ  for  ever.     Amen, 

sions  with  you,  and  preach  un-  °  Is.   vi.  3.     And  one   cried 

to  you  that  ye  should  turn  from  unto  another,  and  said,  Holy, 

these  vanities  unto  the  living  holy,  holy  is  the  Lord  of  hosts : 

God,  which  made  heaven   and  the  whole  earth  is  full  of  his 

earth  and  the  sea  and  all  things  glorv     Rev.  iv.  8. 

that  are  therein.  p  Ps.  cxv.   3.     But  our  God 

h  Jam.    i     17. — The    Father  is  in  the  heavens :  He  hath  done 

of  lights,  with  whom  is  no  va-  whatsoever  he  pleased, 
riableness,    neither  shadow  of*    *  Exod.  iii.   14.     And  God 


The  Confession  of  Faith. 


^ 


things  according  to  the  counsel-  of  his  own  im- 
mutable and  most  righteous  willr,  for  his  own 
glory1;  most  loving1,  gracious,  merciful,  long- 
suffering,  abundant  in  goodness  and  truth,  for- 
giving iniquity ,transgression  and  sin  u ;  the  reward- 
er  of  them  that  diligently  seek  him  w ;  and  withal 
most  just  and  terrible  in  his  judgments x ;  hating 
all  siny,  and  who  will  by  no  means  clear  the 
guilty2. 


said  unto  Moses,  I  am  that  I 
am;  and  he  said,  Thus  shalt 
thou  say  unto  the  children  of 
Israel,  1  am,  hath  sent  me  unto 
you. 

r  Eph.  i.  11.  In  whom  also 
we  have  obtained  an  inheri- 
tance, being  predestinated  ac- 
cording to  the  purpose  of  him, 
who  worketh  all  things  after 
the  counsel  of  his  own  will. 

*  Prcv.  xvi.  4.  The  Lord 
hath  made  all  things  for  him- 
self:  Yea,  even  the  wicked  for 
the  day  of  evil.  Rom.  xi.  36. 
For  of  him,  and  through  him, 
and  to  him  are  all  things.  To 
whom  be  glory  for  ever.  Amen. 
Rev.  iv.  11. 

c  1  John  iv.  8.  He  that  loveth 
not,  knoweth  not  God  for  God 
is  love. 

a  Exod.  xxxiv.  6,  7.  And  the 
Lord  passed  by  before  him, 
and  proclaimed,  The  Lord,  the 
Lord  God,  merciful  and  gra- 
cious, long-suffering,  and  abun- 
dant in  goodness  and  truth, 
keeping  mercy  for  thousands, 
forgiving  iniquity  and  transgres- 
sion and  sin,  and  that  will  by  no 
means  clear  the  guilty. 

w  Heb.  xi.  6.— For  he  that 
cometh  to  G»xl  must  believe 
that  he  is,  and  that  he  is  a  re- 


warder  of  them  that  diligently 
seek  him. 

■  Neh.  ix.  32,  33.  Now  there- 
fore, our  God,  the  great,  the 
mighty,  and  the  terrible  Go4, 
who  keepest  covenant  and  mer- 
cy ;  let  not  all  the  trouble  seem 
little  before  thee,  that  hath 
come  upon  us,  on  our  kings,  on 
our  princes,  and  on  our  priests, 
and  on  our  prophets,  and  on 
our  fathers,  and  on  all  thy  peo- 
ple, since  the  time  of  the  kings 
of  Assyria,  unto  this  day.  How- 
be  it,  thou  art  just  in  all  that  is 
brought  upon  us;  for  thou  hast 
done  right,  but  we  have  done 
wickedly. 

>  Ps.  V.  5,  6  The  foolish 
shali  not  stand  in  thy  sight: 
thou  hate st  all  workers  of  ini- 
quity Thou  shalt  destroy 
them  that  speak  leasing:  the 
Lord  will  abhor  the  bloody  and 
deceitful  man. 

*  Nahum  i  2,  3.  God  w 
jealous,  and  the  Lord  reveng- 
eth  and  is  furious,  the  Lord 
will  take  vengeance  on  his  ad- 
versaries, and  he  reserveth 
wrath  for  his  enemies — The 
fa  slow  t  anger  and  great 
in  power,  pmd  will  not  at  all 
acquit  the  wicked.  See  Exod. 
xxxiv.  7. 


24  The  Confession  of  Faith. 

II.  God  hath  all  life a,  glory b,  goodness c,  bles- 
sednessd,  in  and  of  himself;  and  is  alone  in  and 
unto  himself  all-sufficient,  not  standing  in  need 
of  any  creatures  which  he  hath  made  %  nor  de- 
riving any  glory  from  them  \  but  only  manifesting 
his  own  glory,  in,  by,  unto,  and  upon  them  :  he 
is  the  alone  fountain  of  all  being,  of  whom, 
through  whom,  and  to  whom,  are  all  things  s  ; 
and  hath  most  sovereign  dominion  over  them,  to 
do  by  them,  for  them,  and  upon  them,  whatso- 
ever himself  pleaseth  h.  In  bis  sight  all  things  are 
open  and  manifest1;   his  knowledge  is  infinite, 


II.  a  John  v.  26.  For  as  the 
Father  hath  life  in  himself,  so 
hath  he  given  to  the  Son  to 
have  life  in  himself. 

b  Acts  vii.  2.  And  he  said, 
Men,  brethren,  and  fathers, 
hearken  ;  The  God  of  glory  ap- 
peared unto  our  father  Abra- 
ham, when  he  was  in  Meso- 
potamia, before  he  dwelt  in 
Charran. 

c  Ps.  cxix.  68.  Thou  art 
good,  and  doest  good,  teach  me 
thy  statutes. 

d  1  Tim.  vi  15.  Which  in 
his  times  he  shall  shew,  nvho  is 
the  blessed  and  only  Potentate, 
the  King  of  kings,  and  Lord 
of  lords.  Rom.  ix.  5. — Who  is 
over  all,  God  blessed  for  ever. 
Amen. 

*  Acts  xvii.  24,  25.  God  that 
made  the  world,  and  all  things 
therein,  seeing  that  he  is  Lord 
of  heaven  and  earth,  dwelleth 
not  in  temples  made  with 
hands ;  neither  is  worhipped 
with  men's  hands  as  though  he 
needed  any  thing,  seeing  he 
giveth  to  all  life,  and  breath, 
and  all  things. 


f  Job  xxii.  2,  3.  Can  a  man  be 
profitable  unto  God  as  he  that 
is  wise  may  be  profitable  unto 
himself?  Is  it  any  pleasure  to 
the  Almighty  that  thou  art 
righteous  ?  or  is  it  gain  to  Mm 
that  thou  makest  thy  ways  per- 
fect? 

s  Rom.  xi.  36.  For  of  him, 
and  through  him,  and  to  him, 
are  all  things :  to  whom  be  glory 
for  ever.     Amen. 

b  Rev.  iv.  11.  Thou  art  wor- 
thy, O  Lord,  to  receive  glory, 
and  honour,  and  power;  for 
thou  hast  created  all  things, 
and  for  thy  pleasure  they  are, 
and  were  created.  Dan.  iv.  25. 
35.— The  Most  High  ruleth  in 
the  kingdom  of  men,  and  giv- 
eth it  to  whomsoever  he  will. 
— And  all  the  inhabitants  of 
the  earth  are  reputed  as  nothing: 
and  he  doeth  according  to  his 
will  in  the  army  of  heaven,  and 
among  the  inhabitants  of  the 
earth;  and  none  can  stay  his 
hand,  or  say  unto  him,  What 
doest  thou  ?  See  1  Tim.  vL  15. 
on  the  letter  d. 

*  Heb.  iv.  13.  Neither  is  there 


The  Confession  of  Faith.  25 

infallible,  and  independent  upon  the  creature k; 
so  as  nothing  is  to  him  contingent  or  uncertain  '• 
He  is  most  holy  in  all  his  counsels,  in  his  works, 
and  in  all  his  commands  m.  To  him  is  due  from 
angels  and  men,  and  every  other  creature,  what- 
soever  worship,  service  or  obedience,  he  is  pleased 
to  require  of  them  n- 

III.  In  unity  of  the  Godhead  there  be  three 
persons  of  one  substance,  power,  and  eternity  ; 
God  the  Father,  God  the  Son,  and  God  the  Holy 
Ghost  °.    The  Father  is  of  none,  neither  begotten 

any  creature  that  is  not  mani-  with  a  loud  voice,  Worthy  is 
fest  in  his  sight:  but  all  things  the  Lamb  that  was  slain  to  re- 
are  naked,  and  opened  unto  the  ceive,  power,  and  riches,  and 
eyes  of  him  with  whom  we  wisdom,  and  strength,  and  ho- 
have  to  do.  nour,  and  glory,  and  blessing. — 

k  Rom.  xi.  33,  34.  O  the  And  every  creature  which  is 
depth  of  the  riches  both  of  the  in  heaven,  and  on  the  earth,  and 
wisdom  and  knowledge  of  God  !  under  the  earth,  and  such  as 
how  unsearchable  are  his  judg-  are  in  the  sea,  and  all  that  are 
ments  and  his  ways  past  finding  in  them,  heard  1,  saying,  Bles- 
out ! — For  who  hath  known  the  sing,  and  honour,  and  glory, 
mind  of  the  Lord  ?  or  who  hath  and  power  be  unto  him  that 
been  his  counsellor?  Ps.  cxlvii.  sitteth  upon  the  throne,  and 
5.  Great  is  our  Lord,  and  of  unto  the  Lamb  for  ever  and 
great  power  :  his  understanding  ever. — And  the  four  beasts  said, 
is  infinite.  Amen.      And    the    four    and 

1  Acts  xv.  18.  Known  unto  twenty  elders  fell  down  and 
God  are  all  his  works  from  the  worshipped  him  that  liveth  for 
beginning  of  the  world.  Ezek.  ever  and  ever. 
xi.  5.  And  the  Spirit  of  the  111  °  1  John  v.  7.  For  there 
Lord  fell  upon  me,  and  said  are  three  that  bear  record  in 
unto  me,  Speak,  Thus  saith  the  heaven,  the  Father,  the  Word, 
Lord;  Thus  have  ye  said,  O  and  the  Holy  Ghost;  and  these 
House  of  Israel;  for  I  know  three  are  one.  Matt.  iii.  16,17. 
the  things  that  come  into  your  And  Jesus,  when  he  was  bap- 
mind,  every  one  oythem.  tized,  went  up  straightway  out 

m  Ps.  cxlv.  17.  The  Lord  of  the  water;  and  lo,  the  hea- 
19  righteous  in  all  his  ways,  and  vena  were  opened  unto  him,  and 
holy  in  all  his  works.  Rom.  vii.  he  saw  the  Spirit  of  God,  de- 
12.  Wherefore  the  law  w  holy,  scending  like  a  dove,  and  light- 
and  the  commandment  holy,  ing  upon  him. — And  lo,  a  voice 
and  just,  and  good.  from    heaven,  saying.   This  is 

n  Kev.  v.  12,   13,  14.    Saying   n*"  beloved  Son,  in  whom  1  am 

C 


26 


The  Confession  of  Faith. 


nor  proceeding ;  the  Son  is  eternally  begotten  of 
the  Father  p  ;  the  Holy  Ghost  eternally  proceeding 
from  the  Father  and  the  Son  *. 


well  pleased.  Matt,  xxviii.  19 
Go  ye  therefore  and  teach  all 
nations,  baptizing  them  in  the 
name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the 
Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 
2  Cor.  xiii.  14.  The  grace  of 
our  Lord  Jesus  ChristD  and  the 
love  of  God,  and  the  communion 
of  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  with  you 
all.     Amen. 

p  John  i.  14.  18.  And  the 
Word  was  made  flesh,  and 
dwelt  among  us,  (and  we  beheld 
his  glory,  the  glory  as  of  the 
only  begotten  of   the  Father) 


full  of  grace  and  truth.  No 
man  hadi  seen  God  at  any- 
time, the  only  begotten  Son> 
which  is  in  the  bosom  of  the 
Father,  he  hath  declared  him. 
*  John  xv.  26.  But  when 
the  Comforter  is  come,  whom 
I  will  send  unto  you  from  the 
Father,  even  the  Spirit  of 
truth,  which  proceedeth  from 
the  Father,  he  shall  testify  of 
me.  Gal.  iv.  6.  And  because  ye 
are  sons,  God  hath  sent  forth 
the  Spirit  of  his  Son  into  your 
hearts,  crying,  Abba,  Father. 


CHAPTER  III. 


OF  GOD'S  ETERNAL  DECREE. 


GO  D  from  all  eternity  did  by  the  most  wise 
and  holy  counsel  of  his  own  will,  freely 
and  unchangeably  ordain  whatsoever  comes  to 
pass  a ;  yet  so  as  thereby  neither  is  God  the  au- 


I.  *  Eph.  i.  11.  In  whom  also 
we  have  obtained  an  inheri- 
tance, being  predestinated  ac- 
cording to  the  purpose  of  him 
who  worketh  all  things  after 
the  counsel  of  his  own  will. 
Rom.  xi.  33.  O  the  depth  of  the 
riches  both  of  the  wisdom  and 
knowledge  of  God !  how  un- 
searchable are  his  judgments, 
and  his  ways  past  finding  out ! 
Heb.  vi.  17.  Wherein  God,  wil- 


ling more  abundantly  to  shew 
unto  the  heirs  of  promise  the 
immutability  of  his  counsel,  con- 
firmed it  by  an  oath.  Rom. 
ix.  15.  18.  For  he  saith  to  Mo- 
ses, I  will  have  mercy  on  whom 
I  will  have  mercy  ;  and  I  will 
have  compassion  on  whom  I 
will  have  compassion. — There- 
fore hath  he  mercy  on  whom 
he  will  liave  mercy,  and  whom 
he  will  he  hardeneth. 


The  Confession  of  Faith. 


27 


thor  of  sin  b,  nor  is  violence  offered  to  the  will  of 
the  creatures,  nor  is  the  liberty  or  contingency 
of  second  causes  taken  away,  but  rather  esta- 
blished c. 

II.  Although  God  knows  whatsoever  may  or 
can  come  to  pass,  upon  ail  supposed  conditions d ; 
yet  hath  he  not  decreed  any  thing  because  he 


b  Jam.  i.  13.  17.  Let  no 
man  say  when  he  is  tempted, 
I  am  tempted  of  God  ;  for  God 
cannot  be  tempted  with  evil, 
neither  tempteth  he  any  man. — 
Every  good  gift,  and  every  per- 
fect gift  is  from  above,  and 
cometh  down  from  the  Father 
of  lights,  with  whom  is  no  va- 
riableness, neither  shadow  of 
turning.  1  John  i.  5.  This 
then  is  the  message  which  we 
have  heard  of  him,  and  declare 
unto  you,  that  God  is  light, 
and  in  him  is  no  darkness  at 
all.     Ec.  vii.  29. 

c  Acts  ii.  23.  Him  being 
delivered  by  the  determinate 
counsel  and  foreknowledge  of 
God  ye  have  taken,  and  by 
wicked  hands  have  crucified 
and  slain.  Matt.  xvii.  12.  But 
I  say  unto  you,  that  Elias  is 
come  already,  and  they  knew 
him  not,  but  have  done  unto 
him  whatsoever  they  listed; 
likewise  shall  also  the  Son  of 
man  suffer  of  them.  Acts  iv.  27, 
28.  For  of  a  truth  against  thy 
holy  child  Jesus,\vhom  thou  hast 
anointed,  both  Herod  and  Pon- 
tius Hilate,  with  the  Gentiles, 
and  the  people  of  Israel,  were 
gathered  together,  for  to  do 
whatsoever  thy  hand  and  thy 
counsel  determined  before  to 
be  done.  John  xix.  11.  Jesus 
answered,  Thou  couldst  have 
no  power  at  all  against  me,  ex- 


cept it  were  given  thee  from 
above  :  therefore  he  that  deli- 
vered me  unto  thee  hath  the 
greater  sin.  Prov.  xvi.  33.  The 
lot  is  cast  into  the  lap ;  but 
the  whole  disposing  thereof  is 
of  the  Lord.  Acts  xxvii.  23, 
24.  compared  with  <d.  34. 

II.  d  Acts  xv.  18.  Known 
unto  God  are  all  his  works  from 
the  beginning  of  the  world.  1 
Sam.  xxiii.  11,  12.  Will  the 
men  of  Keilah  deliver  me  up 
into  his  hand  ?  Will  Saul  come 
down,  as  thy  servant  hath 
heard  ?  O  Lord  God  of  Israel, 
I  beseech  thee,  tell  thy  servant. 
And  the  Lord  said,  He  will 
come  down. — Then  said  David, 
Will  the  men  of  Keilah  deli- 
ver me  and  my  men  into  the 
hand  of  Saul  ?  And  the  Lord 
said,  They  will  deliver  thee 
up.  Matt  xi,  21.  23.  Wo 
unto  thee  Chorazin,  wo  unto 
thee  Bethsaida;  for  if  the 
mighty  works  which  were  done 
in  you  had  been  done  in  Tyre 
and  Sidon,  they  would  have  re- 
pented long  ago  in  sackcloth 
and  ashes.  And  thou,  Caper- 
naum, which  art  exalted  unto 
heaven,  shalt  be  brought  down 
to  hell  ;  for  if  the  mighty 
works  which  have  been  done 
in  thee,  had  been  done  in  So- 
dom, it  would  have  remained 
until  this  dav. 


28 


The  Confession  of  Faith. 


foresaw  it  as  future,  or  as  that  which  would  come 
to  pass,  upon  such  conditions  c. 

III.  By  the  decree  of  God,  for  the  manifesta- 
tion of  his  glory,  some  men  and  angels f  are  pre- 
destinated unto  everlasting  life,  and  others  fore- 
ordained to  everlasting  death  g. 

IV.  These  angels  and  men,  thus  predestinated 
and  fore-ordained,  are  particularly  and  unchange- 
ably designed ;  and  their  number  is  so  certain  and 
definite  that  it  cannot  be  either  increased  or  di- 
minished h. 

V.  Those  of  mankind  that  are  predestinated 
unto  life,  God,  before  the  foundation  of  the  world 
was  laid,  according  to  his  eternal  and  immutable 
purpose,  and  the  secret  counsel  and  good  pleasure 


•Rom.  ix.  11.  13.  16.  18. 
Por  the  children  being  not  yet 
'jorn,  neither  having  done  any 
good  or  evil,  that  the  purpose 
of  God  according  to  election 
might  stand,  not  of  works,  but 
of  him  that  calleth ; — As  it  is 
written,  Jacob  have  I  loved, 
but  Esau  have  1  hated. — So 
then,  it  is  not  of  him  that  wiil- 
eth,  nor  of  him  that  runneth, 
but  of  God  that  sheweth  mer- 
cy.— Therefore  hath  he  mercy 
_on  whom  he  will  have  mercy ', 
and  whom  he  will  he  harden- 
ettu 

III.  f  1  Tim.  v.  21.  I  charge 
thee  before  God  and  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  and  the  elect  an- 
gels. Matt.  xxv.  41.  Then  shall 
he  say  also  unto  them  on  the 
left  hand,  Depart  from  me,  ye 
cursed,  into  everlasting  fire, 
prepared  for  the  devil  and  his 
angels. 

?  Rom.  ix.  22,  23.  What  if 
God,  willing  to  shew  his  wrath, 


and  to  make  his  power  known, 
endured,  with  much  long-suf- 
fering, the  vessels  of  wrath  fit- 
ted to  destruction: — And  that 
he  might  make  known  the 
riches  of  his  glory  on  the  ves- 
sels of  mercy,  which  he  had 
afore  prepared  unto  glory  ? 
Eph.  i.  5,  6.  Having  predesti- 
nated us  unto  the  adoption  of 
children  by  Jesus  Christ  to 
hknself,  according  to  the  good 
pleasure  of  his  will,  to  the 
praise  of  the  glory  of  his  grace, 
wherein  he  hath  made  us  ac- 
cepted in  the  beloved.  Prov. 
xvi.  4.  The  Lord  hath  made 
all  things  for  himself;  yea, 
even  the  wicked  for  the  day  of 
evil. 

IV.  h  2  Tim.  ii  19.  Never- 
theless, the  foundation  of  God 
standeth  sure,  having  this  sea), 
The  Lord  knoweth  them  that 
are  his.  John  xiii.  18.  I  speak 
not  of  you  all,  I  know  whom  I 
have  chosen. 


The  Confession  of  Faith.  29 

of  his  will,  hath  chosen  in  Christ,  unto  everlasting 
glory  \  out  of  his  mere  free  grace  and  love,  with- 
out  any  foresight  of  faith  or  good  works,  or  per- 
severance in  either  of  them,  or  any  other  thing  in 
the  creature,  as  conditions,  or  causes  moving  him 
thereunto  k;  and  all  to  the  praise  of  his  glorious 
grace ]. 

VL  As  God  hath  appointed  the  elect  unto 
glory,  so  hath  he,  by  the  eternal  and  most  free 
purpose  of  his  will,  fore-ordained  all  the  means 
thereunto m.  Wherefore  they  who  are  elected 
being     fallen     in     Adam,     are     redeemed     by 

V.  *  Eph.  i.    4.  9.   11.     Ac-  tion  by  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 

cording  as  he  hath  chosen  us  in  kRom    \x    u     i$    ^     Sre 

him   before  the    foundation   of  letter  .  immediately 'foregoing, 

the  world,  tnat  we  should  be  E  h  L  4  9#  see  let/ep  »  &c 

holy  and  without  blame  before  r  _        . 

him    in  love;— Having   made  _J  Eph.  i.  6.  12.    fo  the  praise 

known  unto  us  the  mvstery  of  of    th«    glory    of    his    grace, 

his  will,  according  to  his  good  wherein  he  hath  made  us  ac- 

pleasure,  which  he  hath  pur-  cepted  in  the  beloved  :    That 

posed   in    himself.— In    whom  we  should  be  to  the  praise  ot 

also  we  have  obtained  an  in-  h,ls  Slory>  w«o  first  trusted  m 

heritance,  being  predestinated  Christ. 

according    to    the    purpose    of  VI.  m  Eph.  i.  4,  5.  According 

him    who  worketh    all  things  as  he  hath  chosen  us  in   him 

after  the  counsel  of  his  own  before   the   foundation   of    the 

will.     Rim.  viii.  30.  Moreover,  world,  that  we  should  be  holy 

whom     he    did    predestinate,  and  without  blame  before  him 

them  he  also  called  ;  and  whom  in  love.     Eph.  ii.  10.     For  we 

he  called,  them  he  also  justi-  aro  his  workmanship,  created 

fied  ;    and  whom   he  justified,  in  Christ  Jesus  unto  good  works, 

them  he  also  glorified.  2  Tim.  which  God  hath  before  ordained 

1.  9.     Who  hath  saved  us,  and  that  we  should  walk  in  then-. 

called  us  with  an  holy  calling,  2  Thess.  ii.    13.     But  w». 

not  according  to  our  works,  but  bound  to  give  thanks  alway  to 

according   to  his  own   purpose  God  for  you,  brethren,  beloved 

and  grace,  which  was  given  us  of  the  Lord,  because  God  hath 

in  Christ  Jesus  before  the  world  from   the  beginning  chosen  you 

began.     1  Thess.    v.    9       For  to  salvation,  through  sanctifica- 

God     hath    not    appointed   us  tion  of  the  Spirit,  and  belief  of 

to  wrath,  but  to  obtain  salva-  the  truth. 

C  2 


30 


The  Confession  of  Faith. 


Christ n,  are  effectually  called  unto  faith  in  Christ 
by  his  Spirit  working  in  due  season  ;  are  justified, 
adopted,  sanctified0,  and  kept  by  his  power 
through  faith  unto  salvation  p.  Neither  are  any 
other  redeemed  by  Christ,  effectually  called,  jus- 
tified, adopted,  sanctified,  and  saved,  but  the  elect 
only  *. 

VII.  The  rest  of  mankind,  God  was  pleased, 
according  to  the  unsearchable  counsel  of  his  own 
will,  whereby  he  extendeth  or  with-holdeth  mercy 
as  he  pleaseth,  for  the  glory  of  his  sovereign 
power  over  his  creatures,  to  pass  by,  and  to  ordain 
them  to  dishonour  and  wrath  for  their  sin,  to  the 
praise  of  his  glorious  justice  r. 


■  1  Thcss.  v.  9,  10.  For  God 
hath  not  appointed  us  to  wrath, 
but  to  obtain  salvation  by  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  died 
for  us,  that  whether  we  wake 
or  sleep,  we  should  live  toge- 
ther wTith  him.     Tit.  ii.  14. 

°  Rom.  viil  30. — Them  he 
also  called.  Eph.  1.  5. — Ac- 
cording to  the  good  pleasure  of 
his  will.  2  Thess.  ii.  13. — 
Through  sanctification  of  the 
Spirit  and  belief  of  the  truth. 
Rom  viii.  30. 

p  1  Peter  i.  5.  Who  are 
kept  by  the  power  of  God 
through  faith  unto  salvation. 

^  John  xvii.  9  I  pray  for 
them  :  I  pray  not  for  the  world, 
but  for  them  which  thou  hast 
given  me ;  for  they  are  thine. 
Rom.  viii.  28.  And  we  know 
that  all  things  work  together 
for  good  to  them  that  love  God, 
to  them  who  are  the  called  ac- 
cording to  his  purpose,  &c.  [to 
the  end  of  the  chapter.]  John 
vi.  64,  65.    But  there  are  some 


of  you  that  believe  not.  For 
Jesus  knew  from  the  beginning 
who  they  were  that  believed 
not,  and  who  should  betray 
him. — And  he  said,  Therefore 
said  I  unto  you,  that  no  man 
can  come  unto  me,  except  it 
were  given  unto  him  of  my 
Father.  So  John  viii.  47.  and 
10.  26.— 1  John  ii.  19.  They 
went  out  from  us,  but  they  were 
not  of  us  ;  for  if  they  had  been 
of  us,  they  would  no  doubt  have 
continued  with  us;  but  they 
went  out,  that  they  might  be 
made  manifest,  that  they  were 
not  all  of  us. 

VII.  r  Matt.  xi.  25.  At  that 
time  Jesus  answered  and  said, 
I  thank  thee,  O  Father,  Lord 
of  heaven  and  earth,  because 
thou  hast  hid  these  things  from 
the  wise  and  prudent,  and  hast 
revealed  them  unto  babes ;  v. 
26.  Even  so,  Father,  for  so  it 
seemed  good  in  thy  sight.  Rom, 
ix.  17,  18.  21.  22.  For  the 
scripture  saith  unto  Pharaoh, 


The  Confession  of  Faith.  31 

VIII.  The  doctrine  of  this  high  mystery  of 
predestination  is  to  be  handled  with  special  pru- 
dence and  care 8,  that  men  attending  the  will  of 
God  revealed  in  his  word,  and  yielding  obedience 
thereunto,  may,  from  the  certainty  of  their  effec- 
tual vocation,  be  assured  of  their  eternal  election '. 
So  shall  this  doctrine  afford  matter  of  praise,  re- 
verence  and  admiration  of  God  u;  and  of  humility, 
diligence  and  abundant  consolation,  to  all  that  sin- 
cerely obey  the  gospel w. 

Even  for  this  same  purpose  shall  the  thing  formed  say  unto 
have  I  raised  thee  up  that  I  him  that  formed  it,  Why  hast 
might  shew  my  power  in  thee,  thou  made  me  thus?  O  the 
and  that  my  name  might  be  depth  of  the  riches  both  of  the 
declared  throughout  all  the  wisdom  and  knowledge  of  God ! 
earth.— Therefore  hath  hem  er-  how  unsearchable  are  his  judg- 
cy,  8cc.  Hath  not  the  potter  ments,  and  his  ways  past  finding 
poweroverthe  clay,  of  the  same  out!  Deut.  xxix.  29.  The  se- 
lu'np  to  make  one  vessel  unto  cret  things  belong  unto  the  Lord 
honour,  and  another  unto  dis-  our  God ;  but  those  things 
honour  ?  What  if  God,  willing  which  are  revealed  belong  unto 
to  shew  his  wrath,  and  to  make  us  and  to  our  children  for  ever, 
his  power  known,  endured  with  that  we  may  do  all  the  words 
much  iong-suiFering  the  vessels  of  this  law. 
of  wrath  fitted  to  destruction?  ?  2  Pet.  i.  10 — Give  diligence 
2  Tim.  ii.  £0 — But  in  a  great  to  make  your  calling  and  elec- 
house  there  are  not  only  ves-  tion  sure ;  for  if  ye  do  these 
scls  of  gold  and  silver,  but  also  things,  ye  shall  never  fall, 
of  wood,  and  of  earth;  and  u  Eph.  i.  6.  To  the  praise 
8ome  to  honour,  and  some  to  of  the  glory  of  his  grace,  where- 
dishononr.  Jude  4.  For  there  in  he  hath  made  us  accepted 
are  certain  men  crept  in  una-  in  the  beloved.  See  Rom.  xi. 
wares,  who  were  before  of  old  33.  Utter  ■« 
ordained  to  this  condemnation  ;  w  Rom.  xi.  5,  6.  20  and  viii. 
ungodly  men,  turning  the  grace  33.  Even  so  tht  n  at  this  pre- 
of  our  God  into  lasciviousness,  sent  time  also  there  is  a  rem- 
and denying  the  only  Lord  God,  nant  according  to  the  ele t  tion 
an'l  (  ur  Lord  Jesus  Christ.     1  of    grace. — And    if    by    grace, 

Pet  ii.8. being  disobedient ;  then   is  it  no  more  of  u( 

whereunto  also  they  were  ap-  otherwise   grace    is   no    more 
pointed.  •       But    if  it  be  of  works, 

VIII.  •  Rom  ix.   20.  and   xi.  then  it  is  no  more  grace  ;  i 

33.    Nay  but,  O  man,  who  art  wise  work  is  no  more  w<  rk  — 

thcta,  that  repliest  against  God  ?  Well ;  because  of  unbelief  the}- 


32  The  Confession  of  Faith. 

were  broken  off,  and  thou  withstanding,  in  this  rejoice 
standest  by  faith.  Be  not  high-  not  that  the  spirits  are  subject 
minded,  but  fear. — Who  shall  unto  you;  but  rather  rejoice  be- 
lay any  thing  to  the  charge  of  cause  your  names  are  written 
God's  elect  r  It  is  God  that  in  heaven, 
justifieth.    Luke   x.  20.    Not- 


CHAPTER  IV. 
OF  CREATION. 

IT  pleased  God  the  Father,  Son,  and  Holy 
Ghost  \  for  the  manifestation  of  the  glory  of 
his  eternal  power,  wisdom,  and  goodness b,  in  the 
beginning,  to  create,  or  make  of  nothing,  the 
world,  and  all  things  therein,  whether  visible 
or  invisible,  in  the  space  of  six  days,  and  all  very 
good c. 

I.  a  Heb.  i.  2.  Hath  in  these  tion  of  the  world  are  clearly  seen, 
last  days  spoken  unto  us  by  his  being  understood  by  the  things 
Son,  whom  he  hath  appointed  that  are  made,  even  his  eternal 
heir  of  all  things,  by  whom  power  and  Godhead ;  so  that 
also  he  made  the  worlds.  John  they  are  without  excuse.  Ps. 
i.  2,  3.  The  same  was  in  the  civ.  24.  O  Lord,  how  manifold 
beginning  with  God. — All  things  are  thy  works!  in  wisdom  hast 
were  made  by  him  ;  and  with-  thou  made  them  all,  the  earth 
out  him  was  not  any  thing  is  full  of  thy  riches, 
made,  that  was  made.  Job  xxvi.  c  Gen.  1st  chap,  throughout. 
13  and  xxxiii.  4.  By  his  Col.  i.  16.  For  by  him  were 
Spirit  he  hath  garnished  the  all  things  created  that  are  in 
heavens  ;  his  hand  hath  formed  heaven,  and  that  are  in  earth, 
the  crooked  serpent. — The  Spi-  visible  and  invisible,  whether 
rit  of  God  hath  made  me,  and  they  be  thrones,  cr  dominions, 
the  breath  of  the  Almighty  or  principalities,  or  powers  :  all 
hath  given  me  life.  things    were    created   by   him 

b  Rom   i.  20.    For  the  invisi-   and  for  him. 
ble  things  of  him  from  the  crea- 


The  Confession  of  Faith.  33 

II.  After  God  had  made  all  other  creatures,  he 
created  man,  male  and  female  d,  with  reasonable 
and  immortal  souls  %  endued  with  knowledge, 
righteousness,  and  true  holiness,  after  his  own 
image  f,  having  the  law  of  God  written  in  their 
hearts s,  and  power  to  fulfil  itb;  and  yet  under  a 
possibility  of  transgressing,  being  left  to  the 
liberty  of  their  own  will  which  was  subject  unto 
change l.  Besides  this  law  written  in  their  hearts, 
they  received  a  command  not  to  tat  of  the  tree  of 
the  knowledge  of  good  and  evil ;  which  while  they 
kept  they  were  happy  in  their  communion  with 
God  k,  and  had  dominion  over  the  creatures  *. 

II.    d  Gen.  i.    27.      So  God  written  in  their  hearts,  their 

created  man  in  his  own  image,  conscience  also  bearing  witness, 

in  the  image  of  God  created  he  and   their   thoughts   the  mean 

him,  male  and  female  created  while  accusing,  or  else  excus- 

he  them.  ing  one  another. 

•  Gen.  ii.  7.  And  the  Lord  h  Ec.  vii.  29.  Lo,  this  only 
God  formed  man  of  the  dust  of  kave   I  found,   that  God   hath 

the  ground,  and  breathed  into  made  man  upright ;   but  they 

his  nostrils  the  breath  of  life;  have  sought  out  many  inventions, 

and  man  became  a  living  soul.  »  Gen.  iii.  6.     And  when  the 

Luke  xxiii.  43.    See  also  Ec.  woman  saw  that  the  tree   was 

xii.    7.     Then    shall   the    dust  good  for  food,  and  that  it  was 

return  to  the  earth  as  it  was  ;  pleasant  to  the  eyes,  and  a  tree 

and  the  spirit  shall  return  unto  to  be  desired  to  make  one  wise, 

God  who  gave  it.     And,  Matt,  she  took   of  the  fruit  thereof, 

x.   28.      And    fear    not    the»i  and  did  eat,  and  gave  also  unto 

which  kill  the  body,  but  are  not  her  husband  with  her ;  and  he 

able  to  kill  the  soul ;  but  rather  did  eat.     See  Ec.  vii.  29. 

fear  him  which  is  able  to  de-  k  Gen.    ii.    17.      But   of  the 

stroy  both  soul  and  body  in  hell,  tree  of  knowledge  of  good  and 

f  Gen.  i.  26.  And  God  said,  evil,  thou  shalt  not  eat  of  it ; 
Let  us  make  man  in  our  image,  for  in  the  day  thou  eatest  there- 
after our  likeness.  of,  thou  shalt  surely  die.    See 

8  Rom.  ii.  14,  15.     For  when  Gen.  iii.  8.  —  xi  23. 

the  Gentiles,  which  have  not  l  Gen.  i.   28. — And  have  do- 

the    law,     do    by    nature    the  minion  over  the  fish  of  the  sea, 

things    contained    in   the    law,  and  over  the  fowl   of  the   air, 

these  having  not  the  law,  are  and   over    every    living    thing 

a  law  unto  themselves. — Which  that  movcth   upon    the    earth 

shew   the    work   of   the    law  See  Ps.  viii.  6,  7,  8.  verses. 


34  The  Confession  of  Faith. 

CHAPTER  V. 

OF  PROVIDENCE. 

GO  D,  the  great  Creator  of  all  things,  doth 
uphold  %  direct,  dispose,  and  govern  all 
creatures,  actions  and  things b,  from  the  greatest 
even  to  the  least  %  by  his  most  wise  and  holy  pro- 
videnced,  according  to  his  infallible  foreknow- 
ledgee,  and  the  free  and  immutable  counsel  of 
his  own  will f,  to  the  praise  of  the  glory  of  his 
wisdom,  power,  justice,  goodness  and  mercy  p. 

I.  a  Heb.  L  3.    Who  being  very  hairs  of  your  head  are  all 

the    brightness   of    his    glory,  numbered. — Fear  ye  not  there- 

and  the  express  image  of  his  fore,  ye  are  of  more  value  than 

person,  and  upholding  all  things  many  sparrows.    See  also  Matt 

by  the  word  of  his  power, vi.  26.  30. 

bDan.iv.34,35. — I  blessed  the  d  Pro  v.  xv.  3.  The  eyes  of 
Most  High,  and  I  praised  and  ho-  the  Lord  are  in  every  place, 
noured  him  that  liveth  for  ever,  beholding  the  evil  and  the  good, 
whose  dominion  is  an  everlasting  2  Chron.  xvi.  9.  For  the  eyes 
dominion,  and  his  kingdom  is  of  the  Lord  run  to  and  fro 
from  generation  to  generation  :  throughout  the  whole  earth,  to 
And  all  the  inhabitants  of  the  shew  himself  strong  in  the  be- 
earth  are  reputed  as  nothing :  half  of  them  whose  heart  is 
and -he  doeth  according  to  his  perfect  towards  him.  See  also 
will  in  the  army  of  heaven,  and  Ps.  cxlv.  17.  and  civ.  24 
among  the  inhabitants  of  the  e  Acts  xv.  18.  Known  unto 
earth :  and  none  can  stay  his  God  are  all  his  works  from  the 
hand,  or  say  unto  him,  What  beginning  of  the  world, 
doest  thou  ?  Ps.  cxxxv.6.  What-  f  Eph.  i.  11. Who  work- 
soever  the  Lord  pleased,  that  eth  all  things  after  the  counsel 
did  he  in  heaven  and  in  earth,  of  his  own  will.  Ps.  xxxiii. 
in  the  seas,  and  all  deep  places.  11. — The  counsel  of  the  Lord 
See  also,  Acts  xvii.  25,  26.  28.  standeth  for  ever,  the  thoughts 
and  Job  xxxviii.  xxxix.  xl.  xli  of  his  heart  to  all  generations, 
chapters.  e  Eph.  iii.  10.    To  the  intent 

c  Matt.  x.   29,  30,  31.     Are  that  now  unto  the  principalities 

not   two   sparrows  sold  for  a  and  powers  in  heavenly  places ■> 

farthing  ?    And    one   of   them  might  be  known  by  the  church 

shall    not    fall  on   the    ground  the    manifold  wisdom   of  God. 

without  your  Father.— But  the  Rom.  ix.  17.    For  the  scripture 


The  Confession  of  Faith. 


35 


II.  Although  in  relation  to  the  foreknowledge, 
and  decree  of  God,  the  first  cause,  all  things 
come  to  pass  immutably  and  infallibly  h,  yet,  by 
the  same  providence,  he  ordereth  them  to  fall  out 
according  to  the  nature  of  second  causes,  either 
necessarily,  freely  or  contingently l. 

III.  God  in  his  ordinary  providence,  mak- 
eth  use  of  means  k,  yet  is  free  to  work  with- 


saith  unto  Pharaoh,  Even  for 
this  same  purpose  have  I  raised 
thee  up,  that  I  might  shew  my 
power  in  thee,  and  that  my 
name  might  be  declared 
throughout  all  the  earth.  Ps. 
cxlv.  7.  They  shall  abundant- 
ly utter  the  memory  of  thy 
great  goodness,  and  shall  sing 
of  thy  righteousness. 

II.  h  Acts  ii.  23.  Him  being 
delivered  by  the  determinate 
counsel  and  foreknowledge  of 
God  ye  have  taken,  and  by 
wicked  hands  have  crucified 
and  slain 

1  Gen.  viii.  22.  While  the 
earth  remaineth,  seed-time  and 
harvest,  and  cold  and  heat, 
and  summer  and  winter,  and 
day  and  night  shall  not  cease. 
Jer.  xxxi.  55.  Thus  saith  the 
Lord  which  giveth  the  sun  for 
a  light  by  day  ;  and  the  ordinan- 
ces of  the  moon  and  of  the 
stars  for  a  light  by  night; 
which  divideth  the  sea  when 
the  waves  thereof  roar  . 
Lord  of  hr.sts  t*  his  name 
xxi.  13.  If  a  man  lie  not  in 
wait,  but  God  deliver  him  into 
his  hand,  then  I  will  appoint 
thee  a  place  whither  he  shall 
flee.  1  Kings  xxij.  34  And  a 
certain  man  drew  a  bow  at  a 
venture,  and  smote  the  kii  g  of 
Israel  between  the  joints  of  the 


harness :  wherefore  he  said 
unto  the  driver  of  his  chariot, 
Turn  thine  hand,  and  cany  me 
out  of  the  host ;  for  I  am  wound- 
ed. Is.  x,  6,  7.  1  will  send 
him  against  an  hypocritical  na- 
tion ;  and  against  the  people 
of  my  wrath  will  I  give  him  a 
charge,  to  take  the  spoil,  and 
to  take  the  prey,  and  to  tread 

them  down. Howbeit,  he 

meaneth  not  so,  neidier  doth 
his  heart  think  so,  but  it  is  in 
his  heart  to  destroy,  and  cut  off 
nations  not  a  few. 

111.  k  Acts  xxvii.  24.  3t  Say- 
ing, Fear  not,  Paul;  thou  must 
\k  brought  before  Casar :  and 
lo,  God  hath  given  thee  all 
them  that  sail  with  thee.  Paul 
said  to  the  centurion,  and  to 
the  soldiers,  Except  these 
abide  in  the  ship,  ye  cannot  be 
saved.  Is  lv.  10,  11.  For  as 
the  rain  cometh  down,  and  the 
snow,  from  heaven,  and  return- 
eth  not  thither,  but  watereth 
the  earth,  and  maketh  it  bring 
forth  and  bud,  that  it  may  give 
seed  to  the  sower,  and  bread 
to  the  eater — S<>  shall  my  word 
be  that  Koeth  forth  out  of  my 
mouth  ;  it  shall  not  return  unto 
me  \  id,  but  it  shall  accomplish 
that  w  hich  1  please,  and  it  shall 
prosper  in  the  thwg  whereto  I 
sent  it. 


36  The  Confession  of  Faith. 

out l,  above  m,  and  against  them,  at  his  pleasure". 
IV.  The  almighty  power,  unsearchable  wis- 
dom, and  infinite  goodness  of  God,  so  far  mani- 
fest themselves  in  his  providence,  that  it  extendeth 
itself  even  to  the  first  fall,  and  all  other  sins  of 
angels  and  men  °,  and  that  not  by  a  bare  ptxmis- 

1  Hos.  i.  7.  But  I  will  have  dom  and  knowledge  of  God ! 
mercy  upon  the  house  of  Judah,  how  unsearchable  are  his  judg- 
and  I  will  save  them  by  the  ments,  and  his  ways  past  find- 
Lord  their  God,  and  will  not  ing  out !  2  Sam.  xxiv.  1.  with  I 
save  them  by  bow,  nor  by  sword,  Chron.  xxi.  1.  And  again  the 
nor  by  battle,  by  horses,  nor  by  anger  of  the  Lord  was  kindled 
horsemen.  against  Israel,  and  he   moved 

m  Rom.  iv  19,  20,  21.  And  David  against  them,  to  say, 
being  not  weak  in  faith,  he  con-  Go  number  Israel  and  Judah.  1 
sidered  not  his  own  body  now  Chr.  x  4.  13,  14  Then  said 
dead;  when  he  was  about  an  Saul  to  his  armour-bearer, 
hundred  years  old,  neither  yet  Draw  thy  sword,  and  thrust 
the deadness  of  Sarah's  womb,  me  through  therewith;  lest 
— He  staggered  not  at  the  pro-  these  uncircumcised  come,  and 
mise  of  God  through  unbelief;  abuse  me.  But  his  armour- 
but  was  strong  in  faith,  giving  bearer  would  not,  for  he  was 
glory  to  God. — And  being  fully  sore  afraid.  So  Saul  took  a 
persuaded  that  what  he  had  sword,  and  fell  upon  it. — So 
promised,  he  was  able  also  to  Saul  died,  for  his  transgression 
perform.  which    he    committed    against 

n  2  Kings  vi.  6.  And  the  the  Lord,  even  against  the 
man  of  God  said,  Where  fell  word  of  the  Lord  which  he 
it?  And  he  shewed  him  the  kept  not,  and  also  for  asking 
place.  And  he  cut  down  a  counsel  of  one  that  had  a  fa  mi- 
stick,  and  cast  it  in  thither,  Har  spirit  to  enquire  of  it  ;  and 
and  the  iron  did  swim.  Dan.  iii.  enquired  not  of  the  Lord; 
27.  And  the  princes,  govern-  therefore  he  slew  him,  and 
crs  and  captains,  and  the  king's  turned  the  kingdom  unto  David 
counsellors  being  gathered  toge-  the  son  of  Jesse.  2  Sam.  xvi. 
ther,  saw  these  men,  upon  10.  And  the  king  said,  What 
whose  bodies  the  fire  had  no  have  I  to  do  with  you,  ye  sons 
power,  nor  was  an  hair  of  their  of  Zeruiah  ?  So  let  him  curse* 
head  singed,  neither  were  their  because  the  Lord  hath  said 
coats  changed,  nor  the  smell  of  unto  him,  Curse  David.  Who 
fire  had  passed  on  them.  shall  then  say,  Wherefore  hast 

IV.  °  Rom.  xi.    32,  33.     For  thou  done  so  ?  See  also  Acts  iv. 

God  hath  concluded  them   all  27,  28.     For  of  a  truth  against 

in  unbelief,  that  he  might  have  thy  holy  child  Jesus  whom  thou 

mercy  upon  all. — O  the  depth  hast  anointed,  both  Herod  and 

of  the  riches  both  of  the  wis-  Pontius  Pilate,  with  the  Gen- 


The  Confession  of  Faith.  37 

sion,  but  such  as  hath  joined  with  it  a  most  wise 
and  powerful  bounding  p,  and  otherwise  ordering 
and  governing  of  them,  in  a  manifold  dispensation, 
to  his  own  holy  ends  q;  yet  so,  as  the  sinfulness 
thereof  proceedeth  only  from  the  creature,  and 
not  from  God ;  who  being  most  holy  and  righte- 
ous, neither  is  nor  can  be  the  author  or  approver 
of  sin  r. 

V.  The  most  wise,  righteous  and  gracious 
God  doth  oftentimes  leave  for  a  season  his  own 
children  to  manifold  temptations,  and  the  corrup- 

tiles  and  the  people  of  Israel,  pass,  that  when  the  Lord  hath 
were  gathered  together — For  performed  his  whole  work  upon 
to  do  whatsoever  thy  hand  and  mount  Zion,  and  on  Jerusalem, 
thy  counsel  determined  before  I  will  punish  the  fruit  of  the 
to  be  done.  stout  heart  of  the  king  of  As- 

p  Ps.  lxxvi,   10.    Surely  the   syria,  and  the  glory  of  his  high 
wrath  of  man  shall  praise  thee  ;   looks. 

the  remainder  of  wrath  shalt  r  1  John  ii.  16.  For  all»that 
thou  restrain.  2  Kings  xix.  28.  75  in  the  world,  the  lust  of  the 
Because  thy  rage  against  me  flesh >  and  the  lust  of  the  eyes 
and  thy  tumult  is  come  up  into  and  the  pride  of  life,  is  not  of 
mine  ears,  therefore  I  will  put  the  Father,  but  is  of  the  world, 
my  hook  in  thy  nose,  and  my  Ps.  1.  21.  These  things  hast 
bridle  in  thy  lips,  and  I  will  thou  done,  and  I  kept  silence: 
turn  thee  back  by  the  way  Thou  thougiitest  that  I  was  al- 
which  thou  earnest.  together  such  a  one  as  thyself: 

s  Gen.  1.  20.  But  as  for  you,  but  1  will  reprove  thee,  aid  set 
ye  thought  evil  against  me  ;  them  in  order  before  thine  eyes, 
but  God  meant  it  unto  good,  to  — See  also,  James  i  13,  14  17. 
bring  to  pass,  as  it  is  this  day,  Let  no  man  say  when  he  is 
to  save  much  people  alive.  Is.  tempted,  I  am  tempted  of  Gcd: 
x.  6,  7.  12.  I  will  send  him  for  God  cannot  be  tempted  with 
against  an  hypocritical  nation,  evil,  neither  tempteth  he  any 
and  against  the  people  of  my  man: — Bat  every  roan  is  tempt* 
wrath  wiH  1  give  him  a  charge,  ed,  when  he  is  drawn  away  of 
to  take  the  spoil,  and  to  take  the  his  own  lust,  and  enti< 
prey, and  to  tread  them  down  like  Every  good  gift,  ai,d  every 
the  mire  of  the  streets. — Hew-  perfect  gift  is  from  abort 
beit,  lie  meaneth  not  so,  neither  cometh  down  from  the  Father 
doth  his  heart  think  so  ;  but  it  of  lights,  with  whom  is  no  va~ 
is  in  his  heart  to  destroy  and  riableness,  neither  shadow  of 
cut  off  nations  not  a  few. —  turning. 
Wherefore    it    shall  come    to 

D 


38  The  Confession  of  Faith. 

tion  of  their  own  hearts,  to  chastise  them  for  their 
former  sins,  or  to  discover  unto  them  the  hidden 
strength  of  corruption,  and  deceitfulness  of  their 
hearts,  that  they  may  be  humbled  s ;  and  to  raise 
them  to  a  more  close  and  constant  dependance 
for  their  support  upon  himself,  and  to  make  them 
more  watchful  against  all  future  occasions  of  sin, 
and  for  sundry  other  just  and  holy  ends t. 

VI.  As  for  those  wicked  and  ungodly  men 
whom  God  as  a  righteous  judge,  for  former  sins, 
doth  blind  and  harden  u,  from  them  he  not  only 

V. f  2  Chr.  xxxii.  25,  26.  31.  perfect  in  weakness.  Most 
But  Hezekiah  rendered  not  gladly  therefore  will  I  rather 
again  according 'to  the  benefit  glory  in  my  infirmities,  that 
done  unto  him ;  for  his  heart  the  power  of  Christ  may  rest 
was  lifted  up  :  therefore  there  upon  me.  Ps.  lxxiiL  throughout, 
was  wrath  upon  him,  and  upon  Ps.  lxxvii.  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8, 
Judah  and  Jerusalem.  Net-  9,  10,  12.  Mark  xiv.  66th.  v. 
withstanding  Hezekiah  hum-  to  the  end.  John  xxi.  15,  16,  17. 
bled  himself  for  the  pride  of  VI.  u  Rom.  i.  24.  26.  28.  and 
his  heart,  doth  he  and  the  :nha-  xi.  7,  8.  Wherefore  God  also 
bitants  of  Jerusalem,  so  that  gave  them  up  to  uncleanness 
the  wrath  of  the  Lord  came  through  the  lusts  of  their  own 
not  upon  them  in  the  days  of  hearts,  to  dishonour  their  own 
Hezekiah. — Howbeit,  in  the  bu-  bodies  between  themselves  ;— 
siness  of  the  ambassadors  of  For  this  cause  God  gave  them 
the  princes  of  Babylon,  who  up  unto  vile  affections;  for 
sent  unto  him  to  enquire  of  the  even  their  women  did  change 
wonder  that  was  done  in  the  the  natural  use  into  that  which 
land,  God  left  him  to  try  him,  is  against  nature : — And  even 
that  he  might  know  all  that  as  they  did  not  like  to  retain 
was  in  his  heart.  God  in   their  knowledge,  God 

1  2  Cor.  xii.  7,  8,  9.  And  gave  them  over  to  a  reprobate 
lest  I  should  be  exalted  above  mind,  to  do  those  things  which 
measure  through  the  abundance  are  not  convenient. — What 
of  the  revelations,  there  was  then  >  Israel  hath  not  obtained 
given  to  me  a  thorn  in  the  that  which  he  seeketh  for,  but 
flesh,  the  messenger  of  Satan  the  election  hath  obtained  it, 
to  buffet  me,  lest  I  should  be  and  the  rest  were  blinded. — 
exalted  above  measure.— For  According  as  it  is  written,  God 
this  thing  I  besought  the  Lord  hath  given  them  the  spirit  of 
thrice,  that  it  might  depart  slumber,  eyes  that  they  should 
from  me. — And  he  said  unto  not  see,  and  ears  that  they 
me,  My  grace  is  sufficient  for  should  not  hear  unto  this  day. 
thee :  for  my  strength  is  made 


The  Confession   of  Faith.  39 

wfrh-hoJdeth  his  grace,  whereby  they  might  have 
[  i  enlightened  in  their  understandings,  and 
wrought  upon  in  their  hearts*;  h^it  sometimes 
also  whhdraweth  the  gifts  which  they  had x ;  and 
exposeth  them  to  such  objects  as  thtir  corruption 
makes  occasion  of  sin  y  ;  and  withal,  gives  them 
over  to  their  own  lusts,  the  temptations  of  the 
1,  and  the  power  of  Satan* ;  whereby  it  comes 
to  pass  that  they  harden  themselves,  even  under 
those  means  which  God  useth  for  the  softening 
of  others  \ 

w  Deut.  xxix.  4.  Yet  the  counsels.  2  Thess.  ii.  10,  11, 
Lord  hath  not  given  you  an  12.  And  with  all  deceivable- 
heart  to  perceive,  and  eyes  to  ness  of  unrighteousness  in  them 
see,  and  ears  to  hear,  unto  this  that  perish ;  because  they  re- 
day,  ceived    not   the   love   of     the 

*  Matt,  xiii.  12.  But  whoso-  truth  ;  that  they  might  be  sav- 
ever  hath  not,  from  him  shall  ed. — And  for  this  cause  God 
be  taken  away  even  that  he  shall  send  them  strong  delusion, 
hath.    See  Matt.  xxv.  29.  that  they  should  believe  a  lie ; 

*  2  Kings  viii.  12,  13.  And  that  they  all  might  be  damned, 
Hazael  said,  Why  weepeth  my  who  believed  not  the  truth,  but 
lord?  and  he  answered,  Be-  had  pleasure  in  unrighteous- 
cause    I    know    the    evil    that  ness. 

thou  wilt  do  unto  the  children  a    Ex.    viii.     15.    32.       But 

of  Israel:  Their  strong  holds  when  Pharaoh  saw  that  there 

wilt  thou  set  on  fire,  and  their  was  respite,  he   hardened  his 

young  men  wilt  thou  slay  with  heart,  and  hearkened  not  unto 

tip  sword,  and  wilt  dash  their  them ;    as  the  Lord  had   said, 

children,  and  rip  up  their  wo-  And     Pharaoh    hardened     his 

men  with  child. — And  Hazael  heart  at  this  time  also,  neither 

said,  But  what,  U  thy  servant  a  would   he   let  the    people    go. 

dog,    that    he    should    do    this  2  Cur.  ii.  15,  16.     For  we  are 

great  thing?   And   Elisha   an-  unto  God,  a  sweet  savour  of 

swered,  The  Lord  hath  shewed  Christ  in  them  that  are  saved, 

me  that  thou  shall  Peking  over  and  in  them  that  perish: — To 

Syria  the  one  ive  are  the  savour  of 

1  Ps.  lxxxi.  11,  12.     But  my  death  unto  death  ;  and  to  the 

people  would  not  hearken  to  other,  the  savour  of  life   unto 

my    vfcice ;    and    Israel    would  life.     Is.  viii.  14.    And  he  shall 

none  of  me. — So  I  gave  them  be  for  a  sanctuary  ;   but  for  a 

up  unto  their  own  hearts'  lust ;  stone  of  stumbling,   and  for  a 

n.nd  they  walked  in  their  own  rock   of  oflence   to  both   lite 


40  The  Confession  of  Faith. 

VII.  As  the  providence  of  God  doth,  in  gene- 
ral, reach  to  all  creatures ;  so,  after  a  most  special 
manner,  it  tateth  care  of  his  church,  and  dispos- 
eth  all  things  to  the  good  thereof b. 

houses  of  Israel ;  for  a  gin,  and  JL,ord. — For  lo,  I  will  command, 
for  a  snare  to  the  inhabitants  and  I  will  sift  the  house  of 
of  Jerusalem.  See  also  Ex.  Israel  among  all  nations,  like 
vii.  3.  1  Pet.  ii.  7,  8.  Is.  vi.  as  corn  is  sifted  in  a  sieve,  yet 
9,  10.  with  Acts  xxviii.  26,  27  shall  not  the  least  grain  fall 
VII.  b  Amos  ix.  8,  9.  Be-  upon  the  earth.  Rom.  viii.  28. 
hold,  the  eyes  of  the  Lord  God  And  we  know  that  all  things 
are  upon  the  sinful  kingdom,  work  together  for  good  to  them 
and  I  will  destroy  it  from  off  that  love  God,  to  them  who  are 
the  face  of  the  earth  ;  saving  the  called  according  to  his 
that  1  will  not  utterly  destroy  purpose, 
the  house  of  Jacob,  saith  the 


CHAPTER  VI. 

OF  THE  FALL  OF  MAN,  OF  SIN,  AND  OF  THE 
PUNISHMENT  THEREOF. 

OU  R  first  parents,  being  seduced  by  the  sub- 
tilty  and  temptation  of  Satan,  sinned  in 
eating  the  forbidden  fruit a.  This  their  sin  God 
was  pleased,  according  to  his  wise  and  holy  coun- 
sel, to  permit,  having  purposed  to  order  it  to  his 
own  glory  b. 

I.  *  Gen.  iii.   13. — And  the  from  the  simplicity  that  is  in 

woman  said,  The  serpent  be-  Christ. 

giiiled  me,  and  I  did  eat.  2  Cor.  b  Rom.    xi.    32.      For    God 

xi.  3.     But  I  fear  lest  by  any  hath  concluded  them  all  in  un- 

means,  as  the  serpent  beguiled  belief,    that    he    might   have 

JEve   through  his    subtilty,  so  mercy  upon  alfc 
your  minds  should  be  corrupted 


The  Confession  of  Faith. 


41 


II.  By  this  sin  they  fell  from  their  original 
righteousness,  and  communion  with  God%  and 
so  became  dead  in  sin  d,  and  wholly  defiled  in  all 
the  faculties  and  parts  of  soul  and  body e. 

III.  They  being  the  root  of  ail  mankind,  the 
guilt  of  this  sin  was  imputed  f,  and  the  same  death 
in  sin  and  corrupted  nature  conveyed  to  all  their 
posterity,  descending  from  them  by  ordinary  ge- 
neration s. 


II.  c  Gen.  iii.  7,  S.  And  the 
eyes  of  them  both  were  open- 
ed, and  they  knew  that  they 
were  ruk-d :  and  they  sewed 
fig-leaves  together,  and  made 
themselves  aprons  : — And  they 
heard  the  voice  of  the  Lord 
God  walking  in  the  garden  in 
the  cool  of  the  day ;  And  Adam 
and  his  wife  hid  themselves 
from  the  presence  of  the  Lord 
God  amongst  the  trees  of  the 
garden.  Ec.  vii.  29.  Lo,  this 
only  have  I  found,  that  God 
hath  made  man  upright ;  but 
they  have  sought  out  many  in- 
ventions. Rom.  iii.  23.  For  all 
have  sinned  and  come  short  of 
the  glory  of  God 

t:  Eph.  ii.  1.  And  you  hath 
he  quickened*  who  '.vere  dead  in 
trespasses  and  sins.  Rom.  v. 
12.  Wherefore,  as  by  one  man 
sin  entered  into  the  world,  and 
death  by  sin ;  and  so  death 
passed  upon  all  men,  for  that 
all  have  sinned. 

•  Gen.  vi.  5.  And  God  saw 
that  the  wickedness  of  man  was 
greut  in  the  earth,  and  that 
every  imagination  of  the 
thoughts  of  his  heart,  wa* 
only  evil  continually.  Jer  >:vii. 
9.  The  heart  is  deceitful 
above  all   things,   and  despe- 


rately wicked  ;  who  can  know 
it  ?  See  also  Rom.  iii.  10.  to  the 
19th  verse. 

III.  *  Acts  xvii.  26.  And 
hath  made  of  one  blood,  all  na- 
tions of  men,  for  to  dwell  on 
all  the  face  of  the  earth,  and 
hath  determined  the  times  be- 
fore appointed,  and  the  bounds 
of  their  habitation;  and  Gen. 
ii.  16,  17.  with  Rom.  v.  12.  15, 
16,  17,  18,  19  and  1  Cor.  xv. 
21,  22.  45.  49.  For  since  by- 
man  came  death,  by  man  came 
also  the  resurrection  of  the 
dead :  For  as  in  Adam  all  die, 
even  so  in  Christ  shall  ail  be 
made  alive  :  and  so  it  is  writ- 
ten, The  first  man  Adam  was 
made  a  livi:  g  soul;  the  last 
Adam  was  made  a  quickening 
Spirit — And  as  we  have  borne 
the  image  of  the  earthy,  we 
shall  also  bear  the  image  of 
the  heavenlv.  ♦ 

*  Ps.  Ii.  's.  Behold,  I  was 
shapen  in  iniquity  ;  and  in  sin 
did  my  mother  c  nceive  me. 
Gen.  v.  3.  And  Adam  lived 
an  hundred  and  thirty  years, 
and  begat  a  6t/2  in  his  own 
likeness  after  his  image  ;  and 
called  his  Dame  Seth.  Job  xiv. 
4  Who  can  bring  a  clean 
thing  out  of  an  unclean  } 
D2 


42  The  Confession  of  Faith. 

IV.  From  this  original  corruption,  whereby 
we  are  utterly  indisposed,  disabled  and  made  op- 
posite to  all  goodh,  and  wholly  inclined  to  all  evil1, 
do  proceed  all  actual  transgressions  \ 

V.  This  corruption  of  nature,  during  this  life, 
doth  remain  in  those  that  are  regenerated l ;  and 
although  it  be  through  Christ  pardoned  and  mor- 
tified, yet  both  itself,  and  all  the  motions  thereof, 
are  truly  and  properly  sin  m. 

one.  Job  xv.  14.  What  is  man  and  enticed  — Then,  when  lust 
that  he  should  be  clean?  and  he  hath  conceived,  it  bringeth 
nuhichis  born  of  a  woman, that  forth  sin;  and  sin,  when  it  is 
lie  should  be  righteous?  finished,  bringeth  forth  death. 

IV.  h  Rom.  v.  6.  For  when  Matt.  xv.  19.  For  out  of  the 
^e  were  yet  without  strength,  heart  proceed  evil  thoughts* 
in  due  time  Christ  died  for  murders,  adulteries,  fornica- 
the  ungodly.  Rom.  viii.  7.  Be-  tions,  thefts,  false  witness,  bias- 
cause  the  carnal  mind  is  enmity  phemies. 

against  God ;  for  it  is  not  sub-  V.  l  Rom.  vii.  14.  17.  18.  23: 
ject  to  the  law  of  God  neither  For  we  know  that  the  law  is 
indeed  can  be.  John  iii.  6.  spiritual ;  but  I  am  carnal,  sold 
That  which  is  born  of  the  flesh  under  sin.  Now  then,  it  is  no 
is  flesh ;  and  that  which  is  born  more  I  that  do  it,  but  sin  that 
of  the  Spirit  is  spirit.  Rom.  dwelleth  in  me.  For  I  know 
vii.  18.  For  I  know  that  in  me,  that  in  me,  that  is,  in  my  flesh, 
that  is,  in  my  flesh,  dwelleth  no  dwelleth  no  good  thing :  for  to 
good  thing ;  for  to  will  is  pre-  will  is  present  with  me,  but 
sent  with  me,  but  how  to  per-  how  to  perform  that  which  is 
form  that  which  is  good,  I  find  good,  I  find  n«t  But  I  see 
not.  another  law   in  my  members, 

'  Gen.  viii.  21.  And  the  Lord  waning  against  the  law  of  my 
said,  The  imagination  of  man's  mind,  and  bringing  me  into 
heart  is  evil  from  his  youth,  captivity  to  the  law  of  sin  which 
Roip.  iii.  10,  11,  12-  As  it  is  is  in  rny  members  Jam.  iii  2. 
written,  There  is  none  righte-  For  in  many  things  we  offend 
ous,  no  not  one  : — There  is  all.  Prov  xx.  9,  Who  can  say, 
none  that  understandeth,  there  1  have  made  my  heart  clean,  I 
is  none  that  seeketh  after  God.  am  pure  from  my  sin  ?  Ec.  vii. 
They  are  all  gone  out  of  the  20.  For  there  is  not  a  just 
wayi  they  are  together  become  man  upon  earth  that  doeth 
unprofitable,  there  is  none  that  good  and  sinneth  not. 
doeth  good,  no  not  one.  m  Rom.  vii.  5.  7,  8.  25.     For 

k  Jam,  i.  14,  15.  But  every  when  we  were  in  the  flesh, 
man  is  tempted  when  he  is  the  motions  of  sin  which  were 
drawn  away  of  his  own  lust,  by  the  law  did  work  In  ojur 


The  Confession  of  Faith.  43 

VI.  Every  sin,  both  original  and  actual,  being 
a  transgression  of  the  righteous  law  of  God,  and 
contrary  thereunto11,  doth  in  its  own  nature,  bring 
guilt  upon  the  sinner0,  whereby  he  is  bound  over 
to  the  wrath  of  God  p,  and  curse  of  the  law q,  and 
so  made  subject  to  death  r,  with  all  miseries  spi- 
ritual %  temporal l  and  eternal u. 


members  to  bring  forth  fruit 
unto  death.  What  shall  we 
say  then  ?  Is  the  law  sin  ?  God 
forbid.  Nay,  I  had  not  known 
sin,  but  by  the  law  :  For  I  had 
not  known  lust,  except  the  law 
had  said,  Thou  shalt  not  covet. 
But  sin,  taking  occasion  by  the 
commandment,  wrought  in  me 
all  manner  of  concupiscence. 
For  without  the  law  sin  tvas 
dead.  So  then  with  the  mind 
I  myself  serve  the  law  of  God ; 
but  with  the  flesh,  the  law  of 
sin. 

VI.  ■  1  John  iii.  4  Whoso- 
ever committeth  sin  transgres- 
seth  also  the  law,  for  sin  is  the 
transgression  of  the  law. 

°  Rom.  iii.  19.  Now  we 
know,  that  what  things  soever 
the  law  saith,  it  saith  to  them 
who  are  under  the  law;  that 
every  mouth  may  be  stopped, 
and  all  the  world  may  become 
guilty  before  God. 

p  Eph.  ii.  3. And  were  by 

nature  the  children  of  wrath, 
as  others- 


i  Gal  iii.  10.  For  as  many  a* 
are  of  the  works  of  the  law,  are 
under  the  curse :  for  it  is  writ- 
ten, Cursed  is  every  one  that 
continueth  not  in  all  things 
which  are  written  in  the  book 
of  the  law  to  do  them. 

r  Rom.  vi.  23.  For  the  wages 
of  sin  is  death. 

•  Eph.  iv.  18.  Having  the 
understanding  darkened,  being 
alienated  from  the  life  of  God 
through  the  ignorance  that  is 
in  them,  because  of  the  blind- 
ness of  their  heart. 

f  Lam.  iii.  39.  Wherefore 
doth  a  living  man  complain,  a 
man  for  the  punishment  of  his 
sins? 

°  Matt  xxv.  41.  Then  shall 
he  say  also  unto  them  on  the 
left  hpnd,  Depart  from  me,  ye 
cursed,  into  everlasting  tire, 
prepared  for  the  devil  and  his 
angels.  2  Thess.  i.  9.  Who 
shall  be  punished  with  everlast- 
ing destruction  from  the  pre- 
sence of  the  Lord,  and  from  the 
glory  of  his  pow< 


44  The  Confession  of  Faith 

CHAPTER  VII. 

OF  GOD'S  COVENANT  WITH  MAN. 

THE  distance  between  God  and  the  creature 
is  so  great,  that  although  reasonable  crea- 
tures do  owe  obedience  unto  him  as  their  Creator, 
yet  they  could  never  have  any  fruition  of  him,  as 
their  blessedness  and  reward,  but  by  some  volun- 
tary condescension  on  God's  part,  which  he  hath 
been  pleased  to  express  by  way  of  covenant*. 

II.  The  first  covenant  made  with  man  was  a 
covenant  of  Works  b,  wherein  life  was  promised 
to  Adam,  and  in  him  to  his  posterity  %  upon  con- 
dition  of  perfect  and  personal  obedience  d. 

III.  Man  by  his  fall  having  made  himself  in- 

I.  a  Job  ix.  32,  33  For  he  is  II.  b  Gal.  iii.  12.  And  the 
not  a  man,  as  I  am,  that  I  law  is  not  of  faith :  but,  The 
should  answer  him,  and  we  man  that  doeth  them  shall  live 
should  come  together  in  judg-  in  them.  Hos.  vi.  7.  Gen.  ii.  16, 
ment.      Neither   is  there  any   17. 

days-man  betwixt  us,  that  c  Rom.  x.  5.  For  Moses 
might  lay  his  hand  upon  us  descfibeth  the  righteousness 
both  Ps.  cxiii.  5,  6  Who  is  which  is  of  the  law,  that  the 
like  unto  the  Lord  our  God,  man  which  doeth  those  things 
who  dwelleth  on  high  ?  Who  shall  live  by  them, 
humbleth  himself  to  behold  the  d  Gen.  ii.  17.  But  of  the 
things  that  are\n  heaven,  and  tree  of  the  knowledge  of  good 
>n  the  earth.  Acts  xvii.  24,  25,  and  evil,  thou  shalt  not  eat  of 
God  that  made  the  world  and  it ;  for  in  the  day  that  thou 
all  things  therein,  seeing  that  eatest  thereof,  thou  shalt  sure- 
he  is  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth,  ly  die.  Gal.  iii.  10.  For  as 
dwelleth  not  in  temples  made  many  as  are  of  the  works  of 
with  hands: — Neither  is  wor-  the  law,  are  under  the  curse; 
shipped  with  men's  hands  as  For  it  is  written,  Cursed  in 
though  he  needed  any  thing,  every  one  that  continueth  not 
seeing  he  giveth  to  all  life  and  in  all  things  which  are  written 
breath,  and  all  things.  See  in  the  book  of  the  law  to  do 
also  Job  xxxv.  7,  8.  and  Luke  them, 
xvii.  10. 


The   Confession  of  Faith.  45 

capable  of  life  by  that  covenant,  the  Lord  was 
pleased  to  make  a  second  %  commonly  called  the 
covenant  of  Grace  :  wherein  he  freely  offereth 
unto  sinners  life  and  salvation  by  Jesus  Christ, 
requiring  of  them  faith  in  him,  that  they  may  be 
saved  f,  and  promising  to  give  unto  all  those  that 
are  ordained  unto  life  his  Holy  Spirit,  to  make 
them  willing  and  able  to  believe g. 

IV.  This  covenant  of  grace  is  frequently  set 
forth  in  scripture  by  the  name  of  a  testament,  in 
reference  to  the  death  of  Jesus  Christ,  the  testator, 
and  to  the  everlasting  inheritance,  with  all  things 
belonging  to  it  therein  bequeathed  h. 

III.  e  Gal  iii.  21— For  if  e  Ez.  xxxvi.  36,  27.  A  new- 
there  had  been  a  law  given,  heart  also  will  I  give  you,  and 
which  could  have  given  life,  a  new  spirit  will  1  put  within 
verily  righteousness  should  have  you,  ana  I  will  take  away  the 
been  by  the  law.  Rom.  viii.  3.  stony  heart  out  of  your  'flesh, 
For  what  the  law  could  not  do,  and  I  will  give  you  an  heart  of 
ki  that  it  was  weak  through  flesh — And  I  will  put  my  Spi- 
the  flesh,  God  sending  his  own  rit  within  you,  and  cause  you 
Son  in  the  likeness  of  sinful  to  walk  in  my  statutes,  and  ye 
flesh,  and  for  sin,  condemned  shall  keep  my  judgments,  and 
sin  in  the  flesh.  Is.  xlii.  6.  I  do  them.  John  vi.  27  44.  All 
thee  Lord  have  called  thee  in  that  the  Father  givethme  shall 
righteousness,  and  will  hold  come  to  me;  and  him  that 
thine  hand,  and  will  keep  thee,  cometh  to  me,  I  will  in  no  wise 
and  give  thee  for  a  covenant  of  cast  out. — No  man  can  come  to 
the  people,  for  a  light  of  the  me,  except  the  Father  which 
Gentiles    Gen.  iii.  15.  hath  sent  me  draw  him  ;  and  1 

f  Mark  xvi   15,  16.     And  he  will  raise  him  up  at  the  last 

said  unto  them,  Go  ye  into  all  day. 

the  world,  and  preach  the  gos-  IV.    h  Heb.   ix.   15,    16,    17. 

Eel  to  every  creature.    He  that  And  for   this  cause  he  is  the 

elieveth  and  is  baptized  shall  mediator  of  the   New  Testa 

bi  huved;  but  he  that  belie veth  ment,   that  by  means  of  death 

not  shall  be  damned.     John  iii.  for  the  redemption  of  the  trans- 

16.       For    God   so    loved    the  gressions  (hat  were  under  the 

world,    that  he  gave  his   only  first  testament,  they  which  are 

begotten   Son,    that  whosoever  called  might   receive  the  pro- 

believeth   in    him,   should   not  miseof  eternal  inheritance.  For 

perish,   but   have    everlasting  where   a  testament   :j,   there 

must  also  of  necessity  be  the 


46  The  Confession  of  Faith. 

V.  This  covenant  was  differently  administered 
in  the  time  of  the  law,  and  in  the  time  of  the  gos- 
pel i :  under  the  law  it  was  administered  by  pro- 
mises,  prophecies,  sacrifices,  circumcision,  the 
paschal  lamb,  and  other  types  and  ordinances  de- 
livered to  the  people  of  the  Jews,  all  fore-signifying 
Christ  to  come  k,  which  were  for  that  time  suffi. 
cient  and  efficacious,  through  the  operation  of  the 
Spirit,  to  instruct  and  build  up  the  elect  in  faith 
in  the  promised  Messiah ',  by  whom  they  had  full 

death  of  the  testator.  For  a  the  sign  of  circumcision,  a  seal 
testament  is  of  force  after  men  of  the  righteousness  of  the  faith, 
are  dead ;  otherwise  it  is  of  no  which  he  had  yet,  being  uncir- 
strength  at  all  while  the  testa-  cumcised;  that  he  might  be 
tor  liveth  Heb.  vii.  22.  By  so  the  father  of  all  them  that  be- 
much  was  Jesus  made  a  surety  lieve,  though  they  be  not  cir- 
of  a  better  testament.  Luke  cumcised ;  that  righteousness 
xxii.  20.  Likewise  also  the  cup  might  be  imputed  unto  them 
after  supper,  saying,  This  cup  also.  Col  ii.  11.  In  whom  also 
is  the  New  Testament  in  my  ye  are  circumcised  with  the 
blood,  which  is  shed  for  you.  circumcision  made  without 
See  also  1  Cor  xi  25.  hands,  in  putting  off  the  body 

V.  *  2  Cor.  iii.  6,  7,  8,  9.  of  the  sins  of  the  flesh  by  the 
Who  also  hath  made  us  able  circumcision  of  Christ,  ver.  12. 
ministers  of  the  New  Testa-  Buried  with  him  in  baptism, 
ment ;  not  of  the  letter,  but  of  wherein  also  ye  are  risen  with 
the  spirit ,  for  the  letter  killeth,  him,  through  the  faith  of  the 
but  the  spirit  giveth  life.  But  operation  of  God,  who  hath 
if  the  ministration  of  death  raised  him  from  the  dead.  1 
written  and  engraven  in  stones,  Cor.  v.  7.  Purge  out  therefore 
was  glorious,  so  that  the  chil-  the  old  leaven,  that  ye  may  be 
dren  of  Israel  could  not  sted-  a  new  lump,  as  ye  are  unlea- 
fastly  behold  the  face  of  Moses,  vened.  For  even  Christ  our 
for  the  glory  of  his  countenance,  passover  is  sacrificed  for  us. 
which  glory  was  to  be  done  Col.  ii.  17.  Which  are  a  sha- 
away  , — How,  shall  not  the  mi-  dow  of  things  to  come ;  but  the 
nistration  of  the  Spirit  be  ra-  body  u  of  Christ, 
ther  glorious  ? — For  if  the  mi-  l  1  Cor.  x  1,  2,  3,  4.  More- 
nistration  of  condemnation  be  over,  brethren,  I  would  not  that 
glory,  much  more  doth  the  ye  should  be  ignorant,  how  that 
ministration  of  righteousness  all  our  fathers  were  under  the 
exceed  in  glory  cloud,  and  all  passed  through 

k  Heb.  viii.  ix.  x.  chapters    the  sea ;  and  were  all  baptized 
Rom.  iv.  11.    And  he  received  unto  Moses  in  the  cloud  and  in 


The  Confession    of  Faith. 


47 


remission  of  sins,  and  eternal  salvation ;  and  is 
called  the  Old  Testament m. 

VI.  Under  the  gospel,  when  Christ  the  sub- 
stance %  was  exhibited,  the  ordinances  in  which 
this  ^venant  is  dispensed  are  the  preaching  of 
the  word,  and  the  administration  of  the  sacra- 
ments of  baptism  and  the  Lord's  supper  ° ;  which 


the  sea  And  did  all  eat  the 
same  spiritual  meat;  and  did 
all  drink  the  same  spiritual 
drink.  For  they  drank  of  that 
spiritual  rock  that  followed 
them;  and  that  rock  was 
Christ.  Heb  xi.  13.  These 
all  died  in  faith,  not  having  re- 
ceived the  promises ;  but  hav- 
ing seen  them  afar  off  and 
were  persuaded  of  them,  and 
embraced  them,  and  confessed 
that  they  were  strangers  and 
pilgrims  on  the  earth.  John 
viii  56.  Your  father  Abraham 
rejoiced  to  see  my  day ;  and  he 
saw  it,  and  was  glad. 

m  Gal  iii.  7,  8,  9  14.  Know 
ye  therefore,  that  they  which 
are  of  faith,  the  same  are  the 
children  of  Abraham.  And 
the  scripture  foreseeing  that 
God  would  justify  the  heathen 
through  faith,  preached  before 
the  gospel  unto  Abraham,  say- 
ing. In  thee  shall  all  nations 
be  blessed  — So  then  they  which 
be  of  faith  are  blessed  with 
faithful  Abraham. — That  the 
blessing  of  Abraham  might 
come  on  the  Gentiles  through 
Jesus  Christ,  that  we  might  re- 
ceive the  promise  of  the  Spirit 
through  faith. 

VI.  n  Col.  ii  17  Which  are 
a  shadow  of  things  to  come, 
but  the  body  is  of  Christ. 

°  Matt,  "xxviii  19.  Go  ye 
therefore  and  teach  all  nations, 


baptizing  them  in  the  name  of 
the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and 
of  the  Holy  Ghost ; — Teaching 
them  to  observe  all  things 
whatsoever  I  have  commanded 
you:  and  lo,  I  am  with  you 
alway,  even  unto  the  end  of 
the  world.  Amen.  I  Cor.  xi. 
23,  24,  25  For  I  have  received 
of  the  Lord,  that  which  also  I 
delivered  unto  you,  That  the 
Lord  Jesus,  the  sc:ne  night  in 
which  he  was  betrayed,  took 
bread.  And  when  he  had  given 
thanks  he  brake  H%  and  said, 
Take,  eat;  this  is  my  body, 
which  is  broken  for  you  ;  this 
do  in  remembrance  of  me. 
After  the  same  manner  also,  he 
took  the  cup,  when  he  had  sup- 
ped, saying,  This  cup  is  the 
New  Testament  in  my  blood; 
this  do  ye,  as  often  as  ye  drink 
it  in  remembrance  cf  me  2 
Cor.  iii  7,  8,  9,  10,  11.  But  if 
the  ministration  of  death,  writ- 
ten and  engraven  in  stones  was 
glorious,  so  that  the  children 
of  Israel  could  not  stedfastly 
behold  the  face  of  Mcses,  for 
the  glory  of  his  countenance, 
which  glory  was  to  be  done 
away  ; — How,  shall  not  the  mi- 
nistration of  the  Spirit  be  rather 
glorious? — For  if  the  ministra- 
tion of  condemnation  be  glory, 
much  more  doth  the  ministra- 
tion of  righteousness  exceed  in 
glory. — For    even    that    which 


48 


The  Confession  of  Faith. 


though  fewer  in  number,  and  administered  with 
more  simplicity  and  less  outward  glory,  yet  in 
them  it  is  held  forth  in  more  fulness,  evidence, 
and  spiritual  efficacy p,  to  all  nations,  both  Jews 
and  Gentiles q ;  and  is  called  the  New  Testament r. 
There  are  not,  therefore,  two  covenants  of  grace 
differing  in  substance,  but  one  and  the  same  under 
various  dispensations8. 


was  made  glorious  had  no  glory 
in  this  respect,  by  reason  of  the 
glory  that  excelleth. — For  if 
that  which  was  done  away  was 
gloricus,  much  more  that  which 
remaineth  is  glorious. 

p  Hob.  xii.  22  to  28.  See 
also  Jer.  xxxi.  31.  33,  34. 

q  See  letter  °  and  Matt,  xxviii 
19.  Eph.  ii.  15,  16,  17,  18,  19 
Having  abolished  in  his  flesh, 
the  enmity,  even  the  law  of 
commandments,  contained  in 
ordinances,  for  to  make  in  him- 
self, of  twain,  one  new  man,  so 
making  peace: — And  that  he 
might  reconcile  both  unto  God 
in  one  body  by  the  cross,  having 

slain   the  enmity  thereby : 

And  came  and  preached  peace 
to  you  which  were  afar  off, 
and  to  them  that  were  nigh  — 
For  through  him  we  both  have 
access  by  one  Spirit  unto  the 
Father— Now  therefore  ye  are 
no  more  strangers  and  foreign- 
ers, but  fellow  citizens  with  the 


saints,  and  of  the  household  of 
God. 

r  Luke  xxii.  20.  Likewise 
also  the  cup  after  supper  say- 
ing, This  cup  is  the  New  Tes- 
tament in  my  blood,  which  is 
shed  for  you.  Heb.  viii.  7, 8.  9. 

s  Gal.  iii  14  16.  That  the 
blessing  of  Abraham  might 
come  upon  the  Gentiles  through 
Jesus  Christ ;  that  we  might 
receive  the  promise  of  the  Spi- 
rit through  faith  : — Now  to 
Abraham  and  his  seed  were 
the  promises  made-  He  saith 
not,  And  to  seeds,  as  of  many ; 
but  as  of  one,  And  to  thy  seed, 
which  is  Christ.  Acts  xv.  11. 
But  we  believe,  that  through 
the  grace  of  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  we  shall  be  saved  even 
as  they.  Rom.  iii.  30. — See- 
ing it  is  one  God  which  shall 
justify  the  circumcision  by  faith, 
and  uncircumcision  through 
faith. 


The  Confession-  of  Faith, 


49 


CHAPTER  XUL 


OF  CHRIST  THE  MEDIATOR. 

XT  pleased  God,  in  his  eternal  purpose,  to 
choose  and  ordain  the  Lord  Jesus,  his  only 
begotten  Son,  to  be  the  mediator  between  God 
and  man  %  the  prophet b,  priest c,  and  king  d  ;  the 
head  and  saviour  of  his  church  %  the  heir  of  all 
things!,  and  judge  of  the  world  g ;  unto  whom  he 
did  from  all  eternity  give  a  people  to  be  his  seedh, 


I.  a  Is.  xlii.  1.  Behold  my 
servant  whom  I  uphold  ;  mine 
elect,  in  nvhom  my  soul  de- 
lighteth ;  I  have  put  my  Spirit 
upon  him ;  he  shall  bring  forth 
judgment  to  the  Gentiles.  1 
Pet  i.  19,  20.— But  with  the 
precious  blood  of  Christ,  as 
of  a  lamb  without  blemish, 
and  without  spot. — Who  verily 
was  foreordained  before  the 
foundation  of  the  world,  but 
was  manifest  in  these  last  times 
for  you.  1  Tim.  ii.  5.  For  thtre 
is  one  God,  and  one  mediator 
between  God  and  men,  the 
man  Christ  Jesus.  See  also 
John  iii.  16. 

b  Acts  iii.  22.  For  Moses 
truly  said  unto  the  fathers,  A 
prophet  shall  the  Lord  your 
God  raise  up  unto  you  of  your 
brethren,  like  unto  me ;  him 
shall  ye  hear  in  all  things  what- 
soever he  si utll  say  unto  you. 
Deut.  xviii.  13. 

c  Heb  v.  5,  6.  So  also  Christ 
glorified  not  himself,  to  be  made 
an  high  priest;  but  he  said 
unto  him,  Thou  art  my  Son,  to- 
day have  I  begotten  thee:  As 


he  saith  also  in  another  place. 
Thou  art  a  priest  for  ever, 
after  the  order  of  Melchisedec. 

d  Ps.  ii.  6.  Yet  have  1  set 
my  king  upon  my  holy  hill  of 
Zion.  Luke  i.  33.  And  he 
shall  reign  over  the  house  of 
Jac.  b  for  ever,  and  of  his  king- 
dom there  shall  be  no  end. 

e  Eph.  v.  23.  For  the  hus- 
band is  the  head  of  the  wife, 
even  as  Christ  is  the  head  of 
the  church ;  and  he  is  the  sa- 
viour of  the  bod  v. 

*  Heb.  i.  2.  'Hath  in  these 
last  days  spoken  unto  us  by 

Sv  n,  whom  he  hath  appointed 
heir  of  all  things. 

*  Acts  xvii.  31.  Fecause  he 
hath  appointed  a  day  in  the 
which  he  Will  judge  the  world 
in  righteousness,  by  that  man 
whom  he  hath  ordained, where- 
of he  hath  given  assurance 
unto  all  mm,  in  that  he   hath 

him  from  the  dead. 

b  John  xvii.  6.     1  have  ma- 
nifested thy  name  unto  the  men 
which  thou   gavest   me  c ;  I 
the  world ;  thine  they  were,  and 
thou  gavest  them  me,  and  thov 

E 


50  The  Confession  of  Faith. 

and  to  be  by  him  in  time  redeemed,  called,  justi- 
fied, sanctified,  and  glorified  \ 

II.  The  son  of  God,  the  second  person  in  the 
Trinity,  being  very  and  eternal  God,  of  one  sub- 
stance, and  equal  with  the  Father,  did,  when  the 
fulness  of  time  was  come,  take  upon  him  man's 
nature  k,  and  all  the  essential  properties  and  com- 
mon infirmities  thereof,  yet  without  sin1 :  being 
conceived  by  the  power  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  in 
the  womb  of  the  Virgin  Mary,  of  her  substance  m. 

have  kept  thy  word.  Ps  xxii.  dwelt  among  us,  fand  we  be- 
30,  A  seed  shall  serve  him,  it  held  his  glory,  the  glory  as  of 
shall  be  accounted  unto  the  the  only  begotten  of  the  Fa- 
Lord  for  a  generation.  Is.  liii.  ther,)  full  of  grace  and  truth. 
10  Yet  it  pleased  the  Lord  to  1  John  v.  20.  And  we  know 
bruise  him,  he  hath  put  him  to  that  the  Son  of  God  is  come, 
grief;  when  thou  shall  make  and  hath  given  us  an  under- 
his  soul  an  offering  for  sin,  he  standing  that  we  may  know 
shall  see  his  seed,  he  shall  pro-  him  that  is  true:  and  "we  are 
long  his  days,  and  the  pleasure  in  him  that  is  true;  e-ven  in  his 
of  the  Lord  shall  prosper  in  Son  Jesus  Christ.  This  is  the 
his  hand.  true  God  and  eternal  life.  Phil. 

'  1    Tim.  ii.    6.     Who  gave  ii.  6.     Who  being  in  the  form 

himself  a  ransom  for  all,  to  be  of  God  thought  it  not  robbery 

testified  in  due  time.    Is.  lv.  4,  to  be  equal   with   God.     Gal. 

5.     Behold   I  have   given  him  iv.  4.     But  when  the  fulness  of 

for  a  witness  to  the  people,  a  the  time  was  come,  God  sent 

leader  and  a  commander  to  the  forth  his  Son  made  of   a  wo- 

people  ; Behold,  thou  shalt  man,  made  under  the  law. 

call  a  nation  that  thou  knowest  l  Heb.  ii.  17.    Wherefore  in 

not,  and  nations  that  knew  not  all  things,  it  behoved  him  to  be 

thee  shall   run  unto  thee,  be-  made  like  unto  his  brethren  ; 

cause  of  the   Lord   thy   God,  that  he    might  be  a  merciful 

and  for  the  holy  One  of  Israel ;  and    faithful     high    priest    in 

for  he  hath    glorified  thee.     1  things  pertaining  to  God ;    to 

Cor.  i.  30.     But  of  him  are  ye  make  reconciliation  for  the  sins 

in  Christ  Jesus,  who  of  God  is  of  the  people.    Heb.  iv.  15.  For 

made    unto    us    wisdom     and  we   have    not   an    high    priest 

righteousness,    and    sanctifica-  which  cannot  be  touched  with 

and  redemption.  the  feeling  of  our  infirmities ; 

II.  k  John   i.    1.    14.     In   the  but  was   in  all  points  tempted 

beginning  was  the  Word,  and  like  as  we  are,  yet  without  sin. 

the  Word  was  God. — And  the  ,n  Luke  i.  27'.  31.  35.     To  a 

Wortl    was    made    flesh,    and  virgin  espoused  to  a  man  whose 


The  Confession  of  Faith.  5 1 

So  that  two  whole,  perfect,  and  distinct  natures, 
the  Godhead  and  the  manhood,  were  insepaiv 
joined  together  in  one  person,  without  conversion, 
composition,  or  confusion".  Which  person  is 
very  God  and  very  man,  yet  one  Christ,  the  only 
mediator  between  God  and  man  °. 

III.  The  Lord  Jesus,  in  his  human  nature 
thus  united  to  the  divine,  was  sanctified  and 
anointed  with  the  Holy  Spirit  above  measure p ; 
having  ill  him  all  the  treasures  of  wisdom  and 
knowledge  q,  in  whom  it  pleased  the  Father  that 
all  fulness  should  dwell r  :  to  the  end  that  being 
holy,  harmless,  undefiled,  and  full  of  grace  and 
truth -,  he  might  be  thoroughly  furnished  to  exe- 

namc  was  Joseph,  of  the  house  °  Rom.  i.  3,  4.  Concerning 
of  David;  and  the  virgin's  his  Son  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord, 
name  was  Mary. — And  behold  which  was  made  of  the  seed 
thou  shalt  conceive  in  thy  of  David  according  to  the  flesh; 
womb,  and  bring  forth  a  son,  — And  declared  to  be  the  Son 
and  shalt  call  his  name  Jesus,  of  God  with  power  according 
And  the  angel  answered,  and  to  the  Spirit  of  holiness,  by  the 
said  unto  her,  The  Holy  Ghost  resurrection  from  the  dead.  I 
shall  come  upon  thee,  and  the  Tim.  ii.  5.  For  there  is  one 
power  of  the  Highest  shall  God,  and  one  mediator  between 
overshadow  thee :  therefore  God  and  men,  the  man  Christ 
also  that  holy  thing  which  shall  Jesus. 

be  born  of  thee,  shall  be  called       III.  p  Ps.  xliv.  7. Gcd  thy 

the  Son  of  God.  Gal.  iv.  4.  God  hath  anointed  thee  with 
See  letter  k  immediately  fore-  the  oil  of  gladness,  above  thy 
going.  fellows.     John  iii.  34.     For  he 

n  Luke  i.   35.     See   letter  m   whom  God  hath  sent,  speaketh 
immediately  foregoing.    Col.  ii.   the  words   of  God  :   for  God 
9.     For    in    him    dwelleth    all    giveth  not  the  Spirit  by  measure 
the  fulness  of  the  Godhead  bo-   unto  him. 
dily.     Rom.  ix.  5.     Whose  ere       *  Col.  ii.  3.  In  whom  are  bid 
the  fathers,    and   of  whom  as   all  the  treasures  of  wisdom  and 
concerning    the    flesh,    Christ   knowledge. 
came,    who  is   over    all,    God       r  CoL  i.  10.     For  it  pli 
blessed  fur  ever.  Amen.  1  Tim.    the  Father,  that  in  him  b 
iii.  16.    And  without  controver-   all  fulness  dwell, 
sy,    great    is    the    mystery   of       •   li  For  such  an 

godliness;  God  was  manifest  in   high  prie  us,  ivho   is 

theflebh.  ur.de  hied. 


52  The  Confession  of  Faith. 

cute  the  office  of  a  mediator  and  surety1.  Which 
office  he  took  not  unto  himself,  but  was  thereunto 
called  by  his  Father u;  who  put  all  power  and 
judgment  into  his  hand,  and  gave  him  command- 
ment to  execute  the  same  w. 

IV.  This  office  the  Lord  Jesus  did  most  wil- 
lingly undertake x,  which,  that  he  might  discharge, 
he  was  made  under  the  law y,  and  did  perfectly 
fulfil  it2;  endured  most  grievous  torments  imme- 
diately in  his  soul  %  and  most  painful  sufferings 

rate  from  sinners,  and  made  Son  of  man.  Matt,  xxviii.  18. 
higher  than  the  heavens. —  And  Jesus  came,  and  spake  unto 
John  i.  14.  And  the  Word  was  them,  saying,  All  power  is 
made  flesh,  and  dwelt  among  given  unto  me,  in  heaven  and 
us  (and  we  beheld  his  glory,  in  earth, 
the  glory  as  of  the  only  begot-  IV.  *  Ps.  xl.  7,  8.  Then 
ten  of  the  Father)  full  of  grace  said  I,  Lo,  I  come;  in  the  vo- 
and  truth.  lume  of  the  book  it  is  written 

*  Acts  x.  38.  How  God  of  me.  1  delight  to  do  thy 
anointed  Jesus  of  Nazareth  with  will,  O  my  God,  yea,  thy  law 
the  Holy  Ghost  and  with  pow-  is  within  my  heart.  Phil.  ii.  8. 
er ;  who  went  about  doing  good,  And  became  obedient  unto 
and  healing  all  that  were  op-  death,  even  the  death  of  the 
pressed  of  the  devil :  For  God  cross. 

was  with  him.  Heb  xii.  24. —  y  Gal.  iv.  4.  But  when  the 
And  to  Jesus  the  mediator  of  fulness  of  the  time  was  come, 
the  new  covenant,  and  to  the  God  sent  forth  his  Son,  made 
blood  sprinkling,  that  speaketh  of  a  woman,  made  under  the 
better  things  than  that  of  Abel.   law. 

Heb.  vii.  22.  By  so  much  was  z  Matt.  Hi.  15.  Thus  it  be- 
Jesus  made  a  surety  of  a  better  cometh  us  to  fulfil  all  righte- 
testament.  ousness.    Matt.    v.    17. — 1  am 

a  Heb.  v.  5.  So  also  Christ  not  come  to  destroy,  but  to 
glorified*    not   himself,    to   be   fulfil. 

made  an  high  priest:  but  he  a  Matt.  xxvi.  37,  38.  And 
that  said  unto  him,  Thou  art  he  took  with  him  Peter,  and 
my  Son,  to-day  have  I  begotten  the  two  sons  of  Zebedee,  and 
thee.  began  to  be  sorrowful  and  very 

w  John  v.  22.  27.  For  the  heavy. — Then  saith  he  unto 
Father  judgeth  no  man:  but  them,  My  soul  is  exceeding 
hath  committed  all  judgment  sorrowful,  even  unto  death. 
to  the  Son : — And  hath  given  Luke  xxii.  44.  And  being  in 
him  authority  to  execute  judg-  an  agony,  he  prayed  more 
v.ent  also,   because  he  is  the  earnestly :  and  his  sweat  was 


The  Confession  of  Faith. 


53 


in  his  body  b ;  was  crucified  and  died  c ;  was  bu- 
ried and  remained  under  the  power  of  death,  yet 
saw  no  corruption d.  On  the  third  day  he  arose 
from  the  dead  %  with  the  same  body  in  which  he 
suffered f ;  with  which  also  he  ascended  into  hea- 
ven, and  there  sitteth  at  the  right  hand  of  his  Fa- 
ther g,  making  intercession  k  ;  and  shall  return  to 
judge  men  and  angels,  at  the  -end  of  the  world5. 


as  it  were  great  drops  of  blood 
falling  down  to  the  ground. 
Matt,  xxvii.  46.  And  about  the 
ninth  hour,  Jesus  cried  with  a 
loud  voice,  saying  Eli,  Eli, 
Lama  Sabachthani;  that  is  to 
say,  My  God,  my  God,  why 
hast  thou  forsaken  me  ? 

b  Matt.  xxvi.  and  xxvii. 
chapters. 

c  Phil.  ii.  8.— He  humbled 
himself,  and  became  obedient 
unto  death,  even  the  death  of 
the  cross. 

d  Acts  ii.  24.  27.  Whom 
God  hath  raised  up,  having 
loosed  the  pains  of  death:  be- 
cause it  was  not  possible  that 

he  should  be  h olden  of  it. 

Because  thou  wilt  not  leave  my 
soul  in  hell,  neither  wilt  thou 
suffer  thine  holy  One  to  see 
corruption.  Acts  xiii.  37.  But 
he  whom  God  raised  again, 
saw  no  corruption. 
^  •  1  Cor.  xv.  4.  He  was  bu- 
ried, and  that  he  rose  again  the 
third  day,  according  to  the 
scriptures. 

f  John  xx.  25.  27— But  he 
said  unto  them,  Except  I  shall 
see  in  his  hands  the  prints  of 
the  nails,  and  put  my  fingers 
into  the  prints  of  the  nails,  and 
thrust  my  hand  into  his  side, 
I  will  not  believe. — Then  saith 
he  to  Thomas,  Reach  hither 


thy  finger,  and  behold  my 
hands;  and  reach  hither  thy 
hand  and  thrust  it  into  my 
side :  and  be  not  faithless  but 
believing. 

*  Mark  xvi.  19. — He  was 
received  up  into  heaven,  and 
sat  on  the  right  hand  of  God. 

b  Rom.  viii.  34. — Who  is 
even  at  the  right  hand  of  God, 
who  also  maketh  intercession 
for  us.  Heb.  vii.  25.  Where  ■ 
fore  he  is  able  also  to  save  them 
to  the  uttermost,  that  come 
unto  God  by  him,  seeing  he 
ever  liveth  to  make  intercession 
for  them. 

'  Rom.  xiv.  9,  10.  For  to 
this  end  Christ  both  died,  and 
rose  and  revived,  that  he  might 
be  Lord  both  of  the  dead  and 
living.  For  we  shall  all  stand 
before  the  judgment-seat  ot 
Christ.  Acts  i.  11.  and  x.  42. 
Matt.  xiii.  40,  41,  42.  As  there- 
fore the  tares  are  gathered  and 
burned  in  the  fire  ;  so  shall  it 
be  in  the  end  of  this  world. — 
The  Son  of  man  shall  send 
forth  his  angels,  and  they  shall 
gather  out  ot  his  kingdom  all 
things  that  offend,  and  them 
which  do  iniquity. — And  shall 
cant  them  into  a  furnace  of  fire  ; 
there  shall  be  wailing  and 
gnashing  of  teeth.  Jude  6. 
And  the  aT' 


54  The  Confession  of  Faith. 

V.  The  Lord  Jesus,  by  his  perfect  obedience 
and  sacrifice  of  himself,  which  he  through  the 
eternal  Spirit  once  offered  up  unto  God,  hath 
fully  satisfied  the  justice  of  his  Father  k  ;  and  pur- 
chased  not  only  reconciliation,  but  an  everlasting 
inheritance  in  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  for  all  those 
whom  the  Father  hath  given  unto  him !. 

VI.  Although  the  work  of  redemption  was  not 
actually  wrought  by  Christ  till  after  his  incarna- 
tion, yet  the  virtue,  efficacy,  and  benefits  thereof, 
were  communicated  unto  the  elect,  in  all  ages 
successively  from  the  beginning  of  the  world,  in 
and  by  those  promises,  types  and  sacrifices,  where- 
in  he  was  revealed  and  signified  to  be  the  seed  of 
the  woman,  which  should  bruise  the  serpent's 
head,  and- the  lamb  slain  from  the  beginning  of 

their  first  estate,  but  left  their  this  time  his  righteousness  : 
own  habitation,  he  hath  reserv-  that  he  might  be  just,  and  the 
ed  in  everlasting  chains  under  justifier  of  him  that  believeth 
darkness,  unto  the  judgment  of  in  Jesus.  Heb.  x.  14.  For  by 
the  great  day.  See  also  2  Pet.  one  offering  he  hath  perfected 
ii.  4.  for  ever,  them  that  are  sancti- 

V.  k  Rom.  v.  19.  For  as  by  fied.  See  also  Eph.  v.  2. 
one  man's  disobedience  many  l  Eph.  i.  11.  14.  In  whom 
were  made  sinners,  so  by  the  also  we  have  obtained  an  inhe- 
obedience  of  one,  shall  many  be  ritance,  being  predestinated 
made  righteous.  Heb.  ix.  14.  according  to  the  purpose  of 
16.  How  much  more  shall  the  him  who  worketh  all  things 
blood  of  Christ,  who  through  after  the  counsel  of  his  own 
the  eternal  Spirit,  offered  him-  will. — Which  is  the  earnest  of 
self  without  spot  to  God,  purge  our  inheritance,  until  the  re- 
your  conscience  from  dead  demption  of  the  purchased  pos- 
works  to  serve  the  living  God  ?  session,  unto  the  praise  of  his 
Rom.  iii.  25,  26,  Whom  God  glory.  John  xvii.  2.  As  thou 
hath  set  forth  to  be  a  propitia-  hast  given  him  power  over  all 
tion  through  faith  in  his  blood,  flesh  ;  that  he  should  give  eter- 
to  declare  his  righteousness  for  nal  Hfe  to  as  many  as  thou  hast 
the  remission  of  sins  that  are  given  him.  See  also  Heb.  ix. 
past,  through  the  forbearance  12.  15. 
cf  God* — To  declare,  /  say  at 


The  Confession  of  Faith. 


55 


the  world,  being  yesterday  and  to-day  the  same 
and  for  ever  ra. 

VI I.  Christ,  in  the  work  of  mediation,  acteth 
according  to  both  natures ;  by  each  nature  doing 
that  which  is  proper  to  itself11:  yet  by  reason  of 
the  unity  of  the  person,  that  which  is  proper  to 
one  nature,  is  sometimes  in  scripture,  attributed 
to  the  person  denominated  by  the  other  nature  °. 

VIII.  To  all  those  for  whom  Christ  hath  pur- 
chased redemption,  he  doth  certainly  and  effectu- 
ally apply  and  communicate  the  same  p ;  making 
intercession  for  them  q ;  and  revealing  unto  them, 


VI.  ra  Gal.  iv.  4,  5.  But 
when  the  fulness  of  the  time 
was  come,  God  sent  forth  his 
Son  made  of  a  woman,  made 
under  the  law,  to  redeem  them 
that  were  under  the  law,  that 
we  might  receive  the  adoption 
of  sons.  Gen.  hi.  15.  And  I 
will  put  enmity  between  thee 
and  the  woman,  and  between 
thy  seed  and  her  seed :  it  shall 
bruise  thy  head,  and  thou  shalt 
bruise  his  heel.  Rev.  xiii.  8. 
And  all  that  dwell  upon  the 
earth  shall  worship  him,  whose 
names  are  not  written  in  the 
book  of  life  of  the  lamb  slain 
from  the  foundation  of  the 
world.  Heb.  xiii.  8.  Jesus 
Christ  the  same  yesterday,  and 
to-day,  and  for  ever. 

VII.  ■  1  Pet.  iii.  18.  For 
Christ  also  hath  once  suffered 
for  sins,  the  just  for  the  unjust, 
that  he  might  bring  us  to  God, 
being  put  to  death  in  the  flesh, 
but  quickened  by  the  Spirit. 
See  also  Heb.  ix.  14. 

°  Acts  xx.  28 — Feed  the 
rhurch  of  God,  which  he  hath 
purchased  with  his  own  blood. 


John  iii.  13.  And  no  man  hath 
ascended  up  to  heaven,  but  he 
that  came  down  from  heaven, 
even  the  Son  of  man,  which  is 
in  heaven.  1  John  iii.  16.  Here- 
by perceive  we  the  love  of 
God,  because  he  laid  down  his 
life  for  us. 

VIII.  p  John  vi.  37.  39.  All 
that  the  Father  giveth  me, 
shall  come  to  me  ;  and  him  that 
cometh  to  me,  I  will  in  no  wise 
cast  out. — And  this  is  the  Fa- 
ther's will  which  hath  sent  me, 
that  of  all  which  he  hath  given 
me,  I  should  lose  nothing,  but 
should  raise  it  up  again  at  the 
last  day.  John  x.  16.  And 
other  sheep  I  have,  which  are 
not  of  this  fold:  them  also  I 
must  bring,  and  they  shall  hear 
my  voice. 

q  1  John  ii.  1.  If  any  man 
sin,  we  have  an  advocate  with 
the  Father,  Jesus  Christ  the 
righteous.  Rom.  viii.  34. — //  i> 
it  that  died,  yea,  rather, 
that  is  risen  again,  who  is 
even  at  the  right  hand  of  God, 
who  also  maketh  intercession 
for  us. 


56 


The  Gonfession  of  Faith. 


in  and  by  the  word,  the  mysteries  of  salvation r ; 
effectually  persuading  them  by  his  Spirit  to  be- 
lieve and  obey  ;  and  governing  their  hearts  by  his 
word  and  Spirit s ;  overcoming  all  their  enemies 
by  his  almighty  power  and  wisdom,  in  such  man- 
ner and  ways  as  are  most  consonant  to  his  won- 
derful and  unsearchable  dispensation x. 


r  John  xv.  15. — For  all  things 
that  I  have  heard  of  my  Fa- 
ther, I  have  made  known  unto 
you.  Eph.  i.  9.  According  to 
his  good  pleasure,  which  he 
hath  purposed  in  himself.  John 
xvii.  6.  I  have  manifested  thy 
name  unto  the  men  which  thou 
gavest  me  out  of  the  world: 
Thine  they  were,  and  thou 
gavest  them  me ;  and  they  have 
kept  thy  word. 

1  2  Cor.  iv.  13.  We  having 
the  same  spirit  of  faith  accord- 
ing as  it  is  written,  I  believed, 
and  therefore  have  I  spoken : 
we  also  believe,  and  therefore 
speak.  Rom.  viii.  9.  14.  But  ye 
are  not  in  the  flesh,  but  in  the 
spirit,  if  so  be,  that  the  Spirit 
of  God  dwell  in  you.  Now  if 
any  man  have  not  the  Spirit  of 
Christ,  he  is  none  of  his. — 
For  as  many  as  are  led  by  the 
Spirit   of   God,   they  are  the 


sons  of  God.    See  also  Rom. 
xv.  18,  19.  and  John  xvii.  17. 

*  Ps.  ex.  1.  The  Lord  said 
unto  my  Lord,  Sit  thou  on  my 
right  hand,  until  I  make  thine 
enemies  thy  footstool.  1  Cor. 
xv.  25,  26.  For  he  must  reign, 
till  he  hath  put  all  enemies 
under  his  feet. — The  last  ene- 
my that  shall  be  destroyed  is 
death.  Mai.  iv.  2,  3.  But  unto 
you  that  fear  my  name,  shall 
the  Son  of  righteousness  arise 
with  healing  in  his  wings ;  and 
ye  shall  go  forth,  and  grow  up 
as  calves  of  the  stall. — And  ye 
shall  tread  down  the  wicked; 
for  they  shall  be  ashes  under 
the  soles  of  your  feet,  in  the 
day  that  I  shall  do  this,  saith 
the  Lord  of  Hosts.  Col.  ii.  15. 
And  having  spoiled  principali- 
ties and  powers,  he  made  a 
shew  of  them  openly,  triumph- 
ing over  them  in  it. 


The  Confession  of  Faith.  57 

CHAPTER  IX. 

OF  FREE  WILL. 

GO  D  hath  endued  the  will  of  man  with  that 
natural  liberty,  that  it  is  neither  forced, 
nor  by  any  absolute  necessity  of  nature,  deter- 
mined  to  good  or  evil A. 

II.  Man,  in  his  state  of  innocency,  had  freedom 
and  power  to  will  and  to  do  that  which  is  good 
and  well-pleasing  to  God b ;  but  yet  mutably,  so 
that  he  might  fall  from  it c. 

III.  Man,  by  his  fall  into  a  state  of  sin,  hath 
wholly  lost  all  ability  of  will  to  any  spiritual  good 
accompanying  salvation d :  so  as  a  natural  man 

I.  a  Jam.  i.  14.  But  every  ledge  of  good  and  evil,  thou 
man  is  tempted,  when  he  is  shalt  not  eat  of  it;  for  in  the 
drawn  away  of  his  own  lust,  day  that  thou  eatest  thereof, 
and  enticed.  Deut.  xxx.  19  I  thou  shalt  surely  die.  Gen.  iii. 
call  heaven  and  earth  to  record  6.  And  when  the  woman  saw 
this  day  against  you,  that  I  have  that  the  tree  was  good  for  food, 
set  before  you  life  and  death,  and  that  it  was  pleasant  to  the 
blessing  and  cursing ;  therefore  eyes,  and  a  tree  to  be  desired 
choose  life,  that  .both  thou  and  to  make  one  wise,  she  took  of 
thy  seed  may  live.  See  John  the  fruit  thereof,  and  did  eat, 
v.  40.  and  gave  also  unto  her  husband 

II.  h  Ec.  vii.  29.  Lo,  tins  with  her,  and  he  did  eat. 
only  have  I  found,  that  God  hath  III.  a  Rom  v.  6.  For  when 
made  man  upright;  but  they  we  were  yet  without  strength, 
have  sought  out  many  inven-  in  due  time  Christ  died  for  the 
tions.  Gen.  i.  26.  And  God  ungodly  R<<in  vri.  7.  Because 
said,  Let  us  make  man  in  our  the  carnal  mind  is  enmity 
image,  after  our  likeness.  against  God  :  for  it  is  not  sub- 

c  Gen.   ii.  16,   17.     And  the  ject  to  the  law  of  God,  neither 
Lord  God  commanded  the  man,    indeed    can    be.      John   xv.  5. 
saying,  Of  every  tree   of   the   For  without  me  ye  can  do  no- 
garden  thou  mayest  freely  eat :    thing. 
— But  of  the  tree  of  the  know- 


58  Hie  Confession  of  Faith. 

being  altogether  averse  from  that  which  is  good  % 
and  dead  in  sinf,  is  not  able,  by  his  own  strength, 
to  convert  himself,  or  to  prepare  himself  there- 
unto &. 

IV.  When  God  converts  a  sinner,  and  trans- 
lates him  into  the  state  of  grace,  he  freeth  him 
from  his  natural  bondage  under  sin h,  and  by  his 
grace  alone,  enables  him  freely  to  will  and  to  do 
that  which  is  spiritually  good  l;  yet  so  as  that,  by 
reason  of  his  remaining  corruption,  he  doth  not 
perfectly,  nor  only,  will  that  which  is  good,  but 
doth  also  will  that  which  is  evil k. 

e  Rom.  iii.  10.  12.    As  it  is  them,  because  they  are  spiritu- 

written,  There  is  none  righte-  ally  discerned.    See  also  Eph. 

ous,    no    not   one : — They    are  ii.   2,  3,  4,  5.  and  Tit.  iii.  3, 

all  gone  out  of  the  way,  they  4,  5. 

are  together  become  unprofit-       IV.  h  Col.   i.  13.    Who  hath 

able,  there  is  none  that  doeth  delivered  us  from  the  power  of 

good,  no  not  one.  darkness,  and  hath  translated 

f  Eph.   ii.  1.   5.     And   you  us  into  the  kingdom  of  his  dear 

hath  he  quickened,  who  were  Son.    John  via.  34.   36.    Jests 

dead   in    trespasses   and   sins,  answered  them,  Verily,  verily, 

Even  when  we  were  dead  in  I  say  unto  you,  whosoever  com- 

sins,  hath  quickened  us  toge-  mitteth  sin,  is  the  servant  of 

ther   with   Christ ;   (by   grace  sin. — If  the  Son  therefore  shall 

ye  are  saved)  Col.  ii.  13.  And  make  you  free,  ye  shall  be  free 

you,  being  dead  in  your  sins,  indeed. 

and  the  uncircumcision  of  your       '  Phil.  ii.  13.    For  it  is  God 

flesh,  hath  he  quickened  toge-  which  worketh  in  you  both  to 

ther  with  him,  having  forgiven  will  and  to  do  of  his  good  p!ea- 

you  all  trespasses.  sure.    Rom.  vi.  18.  22.    Being 

g  John  vi.   44.  65.    No  man  then   made  free  from  sin,  ye 

can  come  to  me,  except  the  became  the  servants  of  righte- 

Father  which    hath    sent    me  ousness. — But  now  being  made 

draw     him  : — And    he     said,  free  from  sin,  and  become  ser- 

Therefore  said  I  unto  you,  that  vants  to   God,  ye  have   your 

no  man  can  come  unto  me,  ex-  fruit  unto  holiness,  and  the  end 

cept  it  were  given  unto  him  of  everlasting  life, 
my  Father.     1  Cor.  ii.  14.    But       k  Gal.  v.  17.    For  the  flesh 

the  natural  man  receiveth  not  lusteth  against  the  spirit,  and 

the  things  of  the  Spirit  of  God  :  the  spirit  against  the  flesh,  and 

for    they   are    foolishness    unto  these  are  contrary  the  one  to 

him;    neither   can    he    know  the  other ;  so  that  ye  cannot  do 


The  Confession  of  Faith. 


59 


V.  The  will  of  man  is  made  perfectly  and  im- 
mutably free  to  good  alone,  in  the  state  of  glory 
only1. 


\}\e  things  that  ye  would.  Rom 
vii.  15.  For  that  which  I  do, 
I  allow  not ;  for  what  I  would, 
that  do  I  not;  but  what  I  hate 
that  do  1. 

V.  i  Eph.iv.  13.  Till  we  all 
come  in  the  unity  of  the  faith, 
and  of  the  knowledge  of  the 


Son  of  God,  unto  a  perfect 
man,  unto  the  measure  of  the 
stature  of  the  fulness  of  Christ. 
Jude  iJ4.  Now  unto  him  that 
is  able  to  keep  you  from  falling, 
and  to  present  you  faultless  be- 
fore the  presence  of  his  glory, 
with  exceeding  joy. 


CHAPTER  X. 


OF  EFFECTUAL  CALLING. 

AL  L  those  whom  God  hath  predestinated  unto 
life,  and  those  only,  he  is  pleased,  in  his  ap- 
pointed and  accepted  time,  effectually  to  call a,  by 
his  word  and  Spirit b,  out  of  that  state  of  sin  and 


I.  *  Rom.  viii.  30.    Moreover, 
m     he     did    predestinate, 
n  he  also  called,  and  whom 
he  called,  them  he  also  justified; 
and  whom  he  justified,   them 
lie   also  glorified.     Rom    xi.  6. 
What    then?    Israel   hath   not 
c  btained  that  which  he  seeketh 
for;  but  the  election  hath  ob- 
d  it,    and   the    rest   were 
blinded.     Eph.  L  10,  11.    That 
.tion  of  the  ful- 
ness of  times,  he  might  gather 
together   in  one   all  things  in 
.  t,  both  which  are  in  hea- 
ven,  and  which  are  on  i 
>  in  him. 
*  2  Tin  !  14.— God 

Lalji  I  •     .     * 


you  to  salvation,  through  sarc- 
tification  of  the  spirit,  and  be- 
lief of  the  truth  :— YYhereunto 
he  called  you  by  our  gospel,  to 
tht'  ( btaining  cf  the  glory  of 
cur  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  2  Cor. 
iii  3.  6.  Forasmuch  as  ye  are 
manifestly  declared  to  be  the 
epistle  of  Christ  ministered  by 
us,  written  not  with  ink,  but 
with  the  Spirit  of  the  living 
God;  not  in  tables  of  strne, 
but  in  fieshlj  *  the  heart 

'. 
ministers  of  the    New  T 

r,   but 
h  i:  ;    for    • 
:i,  but  the   spirit  gi 
life. 


60  The  Confession  of  Faith. 

death,  in  which  they  are  by  nature,  to  grace  and 
salvation  by  Jesus  Christ0;  enlightening  their 
minds  spiritually  and  savingly^  to  understand  the 
things  of  God  d,  taking  away  their  heart  of  stone, 
and  giving  unto  them  an  heart  of  flesh e ;  renew- 
ing their  wills,  and  by  his  almighty  power  deter- 
mining them  to  that  which  is  goodf;  and  effectu- 
ally drawing  them  to  Jesus  Christ g;  yet  so  as 
they  come  most  freely,  being  made  willing  by  his 
grace  h. 

II.  This  effectual  call  is  of  God's  free  and  spe- 

*  Rom.  viii.  2.  For  the  law  of  we  might  know  the  things  that 
the  Spirit  of  life  in  Christ  Jesus,  are  freely  given  to  us  of  God. 
hath  made  me  free  from  the  e  Ez.  xxxvi.  26.  A  new  heart 
law  of  sin  and  death.  2  Tim.  also  will  I  give  you,  and  a  new 
i.  9,  10.  Who  hath  saved  us,  spirit  will  I  put  within  you; 
and  called  us  with  an  holy  and  I  will  take  away  the  stony 
calling,  not  according  to  our  heart  out  of  your  flesh,  and  I 
works,  but  according  to  his  will  give  you  an  heart  of  flesh. 
own  purpose  and  grace,  which  *  Ez.  xi.  19.  And  I  will 
was  given  us  in  Christ  Jesus  be-  give  them  one  heart,  and  I  will 
fore  the  world  began ;  but  is  put  a  new  spirit  within  you. 
now  made  manifest  by  the  ap-  Deut.  xxx.  6.  And  the  Lord  thy 
pearing  of  our  Saviour  Jesus  God  will  circumcise  thine  heart, 
Christ,  who  hath  abolished  and  the  heart  of  thy  seed,  to 
death,  and  hath  brought  life  love  the  Lord  thy  God  with 
and  immortality  to  light  through  all  thine  heart,  and  with  all  thy 
the  gospel.  See  also  Eph.  ii.  1.  soul,  that  thou  mayest  live. 
2,  3,  4,  5.  See  also  Ez.  xxxvi.  27. 

d  Acts  xxvi.  18  To  open  their  s  John  vi.  44,  45.  No  man 
eyes,  and  to  turn  them  from  can  come  unto  me,  except  the 
darkness  to  light,  and  from  the  Father  which  hath  sent  me, 
power  of  Satan  unto  God,  that  draw  him.—  Every  roan  there- 
they  may  receive  forgiveness  fore  that  hath  heard  and  hath 
of  sins,  and  inheritance  among  learned  of  the  Father,  cometh 
them  which   are  sanctified  by   unto  me. 

faith  that  is  in  me.  1  Cor  ii.  h  Cant  i.  4.  Draw  me,  we 
20.  12.  But  God  hath  revealed  will  run  after  thee.  Ps.  ex.  3. 
the m  unto  us  by  his  Spirit:  for  Thy  people  shall  be  willing  in 
the  Spirit  searcheth  all  things,  the  day  of  thy  power,  in  the 
vea,  the  deep  things  of  God.  beauties  of  holiness,  from  the 
Now  we  have  received,  not  the  womb  of  the  morning  :  thou 
spirit  of  the  world,  but  the  hast  the  dew  of  thy  youth- 
Spirit  which  is  of  God ;   that  John  vi.  37. 


The  Confession  of  Faith. 


61 


cial  grace  alone,  not  from  any  thing  at  all  foreseen 
in  man*,  who  is  altogether  passive  therein,  until, 
being  quickened  and  renewed  by  the  Holy  Spirit k, 
he  is  thereby  enabled  to  answer  this  call,  and  to 
embrace  the  grace  offered  and  conveyed  in  it '. 

III.  Elect  infants,  dying  in  infancy,  are  regene- 
rated and  saved  by  Christ  through  the  Spirit m, 
who    worketh    when,    and    where,  and  how   he 


II.  '  2  Tim.  i.  9.  Who  hath 
m  saved  us,  and  called  us  with  an 
"  holy  calling,  not  according  to 
our  works,  but  according  to 
his  own  purprse  and  grace 
which  was  given  us  in  Christ 
Jesus  before  the  world  began. 
Tit.  iii.  4,  5.  But  after  that  the 
kindness  and  love  of  God  our 
Saviour  toward  man  appeared, 
not  by  works  of  righteousness 
which  we  have  done,  but  ac- 
cording to  his  mercy  he  saved 
us  by  the  washing  of  regenera- 
tion, and  renewing  of  the  Holy- 
Ghost.  Rom.  ix.  11.  For  the 
children  being  not  yet  born,  nei- 
ther having  done  any  good  or 
evil,  that  the  purpose  of  God 
according  to  election  might 
stand,  not  of  works,  but  of  him 
that  calleth.  See  also  Eph.  ii. 
4,  5.  8,  9. 

k  1  Cor.  ii.  14.  But  the  na- 
tural man  receiveth  not  the 
things  of  the  Spirit  of  God ; 
For  they  are  foolishness  unto 
him;  neither  can  he  know  them, 
because  they  are  spiritually  (dis- 
cerned. Rom.  viii  7.  Because 
the  carnal  mind  u  enmity 
against  God  ;  for  it  is  not  sub- 
ject to  the  law  of  God,  neither 
indeed  can  be.  Eph.  ii  3. 
Even  when  we  were  dead  in 
sins,hath  quickened  us  together 


with  Christ ;  (by  grace  ye  are 
saved.) 

1  John  vi.  37.  All  that  the 
Father  giveth  me,  shall  come 
to  me;  and  him  that  cometh 
to  me,  I  will  in  no  wise  cast 
out.  Ez.  xxxvi.  27.  And  1  will 
put  my  Spirit  within  you,  and 
cause  you  to  walk  in  my  sta- 
tutes, and  ye  shall  keep  my 
judgments,  and  do  them.  John 
v.  25.  Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto 
you,  The  hour  is  coming,  and 
now  is,  when  the  dead  shall 
hear  the  voice  of  the  Son  of 
God  :  and  they  that  hear,  shall 
live.  Jchn  vi  37.  Ez.  xxxvi.  27. 

III.  m  Luke  xviii.  15,  16. 
And  they  brought  unto  him  also 
infants,  that  he  would  touch 
them ;  but  when  Ms  disciples 
saw  it,  they  rebuked  them  :— 
But  Jesus  called  them  unto 
him,  and  said,  Suffer  little  chil- 
dren to  ccme  unto  me,  and  for- 
bid them  not ;  for  of  such  is 
the  kingdom  of  God.  Acts  ii. 
38,  39.  Then  Peter  said  unto 
them,  Repent,  and  be  bap 
every  ore  of  you  in  the  name 
of  Jesus  Christ,  for  the  remis- 
:  sins,  and  ve  shall  receive 
the  gift  of  the  Holy  Ghotl  : 
the  pn  ,  and 

ur    children,    and    to  all 
off,     even    as 
F 


62  The  Confession  of  Faith. 

pleaseth*.  So  also  are  all  other  elect  persons, 
who  are  incapable  of  being  outwardly  called  by 
the  ministry  of  the  word0. 

IV.  Others  not  elected,  although  they  may  be 
called  by  the  ministry  of  the  wordp,  and  may 
have  some  common  operations  of  the  Spirit  %  yet 
they  never  truly  come  to  Christ,  and  therefore 
cannot  be  saved  r :  much  less  can  men,  not  profess, 
ing  the  Christian  religion,  be  saved  in  any  other 
way  whatsoever,  be  they  never  so  diligent  to 
frame  their  lives  according  to  the  light  of  nature, 
and  the  law  of  that  religion  they  do  profess s ;  and 

many  as  the  Lord  our  God  shall  lieve  not.  For  Jesus  knew 
call.  '  from  the  beginning   who  they 

0  John  :ii.  8.  The  wind  blow-  were  that  believed  not,  and 
eth  where  it  listeth,  and  thou  who  should  betray  him. — And 
hearest  the  sound  thereof,  but  he  said,  Therefore  said  I  unto 
canst  not  tell  whence  it  com-  you,  that  no  man  can  come  unto 
eth,  and  whither  it  goeth;  so  me,  except  it  were  given  unto 
is  every  one  that  is  born  of  the  him  of  my  Father  From  that 
Spirit.  time  many  of  his  disciples  went 

°  Acts  iv.  12.  Neither  is  back,  and  walked  no  more 
there  salvation  in  any  other :  with  him.  John  viii.  24  I  said 
for  there  is  none  other  name  therefore  unto  you,  that  ye 
under  heaven  given  among  men,  shall  die  in  your  sins :  For  if  ye 
whereby  we  must  be  saved.         believe   not  that  I   am    he,  ye 

IV.   p   Matt.   xxii.    14.     For   shall  die  in  your  sins, 
many  are  called   but  few  are       *  Actsiv.  12  Neither  is  there 
chosen.  salvation    in   any    other:    For 

*  Matt.  xiii.  20,  21.  But  he  there  is  none  other  name  under 
that  received  the  seed  into  sto-  heaven  given  among  men, 
ny  places,  the  same  is  he  that  whereby  we  must  be  saved, 
heareth  the  word,  and  anon  John  xiv.  6.  Jesus  saith  unto 
with  joy  receiveth  it: — Yet  him,  I  am  the  way,  and  the 
hath  he  not  root  in  himself,  truth,  and  the  life;  no  man 
but  dureth  for  a  while :  For  cometh  unto  the  Father  but  by 
when  tribulation  or  persecution  me.  John  xvii.  3.  And  this  is 
ariseth  bcc  use  of  the  word,  life  eternal,  that  they  might 
by  and  by  he  is  offended.  know  thee  the  only  true  God, 

r  John  vi.  64,  65,  66  But  and  Jesus  Christ  whom  thou 
there  are  some  of  you  that  be-  hast  sent. 


The  Confession  of  Faith.  63 

to  assert  and  maintain  that  they  may  is  very  per- 
nicious,  and  to  be  detested  '. 

e  2  John  10, 11.  If  there  come  taker  of  his  evil  deeds.    Gal.  i. 

anv   unto    you,   and   bring    not  6,  7,  8.     But  though  we,  or  an 

this  doctrine,  receive  him  not  angel  from  heaven,  preach  any 

into    your   house,    neither  bid  other    gospel    unto    you,    than 

him  God  speed — For  he  that  that  which  we  have  preached 

biddeth  him  God  speed,  is  par-  unto  you,  let  him  be  accursed. 


CHAPTER  XI. 

OF  JUSTIFICATION. 

THOSE  whom  God  effectually  calleth,  he 
also  freely  justifieth a ;  not  by  infusing  righ- 
teousness into  them,  but  by  pardoning  their  sins, 
and  by  accounting  and  accepting  their  persons  as 
righteous :  not  for  any  thing  wrought  in  them, 
or  done  by  them,  but  for  Christ's  sake  alone  :  not 
by  imputing  faith  itself,  the  act  of  believing,  or 
any  other  evangelical  obedience  to  them,  as  their 
righteousness  ;  but  by  imputing  the  obedience  and 
satisfaction  of  Christ  unto  them  b,  they  receiving 

I.  *  Rom.    viii.    30. — Whom  as  David    also  describeth  the 
he  called,  them  he  also  justifi-  blessedness    of   the    man    onto 
ed.     Rom.  iii.  24.     Being  justi-  whom   pod    imputeth    lighte- 
ned freely  by  his  grace,  through  oust* 
the  redemption  that  is  in  Christ  Bless* 
Jesus.  ties    are    :                  and   whose 

b  Rom.  iv.  5,  6,   7,  8.     But  sins  are  covered — Blessed   t* 

to  him    that  worketh  not,   but  the  man  to  whom  the  Lord  will 

believeth  on  him  that  justifieth  not   impute  si; 

the  ungodly,  his  faith  is  count-  81.     To  wit,  that  God  v. 

ed    for     righteousness, — Even  Christ,   reconciling   the 


64 


The  Confession  of  Faith. 


and  resting  on  him  and  his  righteousness  by  faith  ; 
which  faith  they  have  not  of  themselves,  it  is  the 
gift  of  God  c. 

II.  Faith,  thus  receiving  and  resting  on  Christ 
and  his  righteousness,  is  the  alone  instrument  of 
justification  d ;  yet  is  not  alone  in  the  person  jus- 
tified, but  is  ever  accompanied  with  all  other  sav- 
ing graces,  and  is  no  dead  faith ;  but  worketh  by 
love  •. 

III.  Christ,  by  his  obedience  and  death,  did 
fully  discharge  the  debt  of  all  those  that  are  thus 


unto  himself,  not  imputing 
their  trespasses  unto  them : 
and  hath  committed  unto  us 
the  word  of  reconciliation. — 
For  he  hath  made  him  to  be 
sin  for  us,  who  knew  no  sin, 
that  we  might  be  made  the 
righteousness  of  God  in  him. 
Rom.  iii.  22.  24,  25.  27,  28. 
Tit.  iii.  5.  7.  Not  by  works  of 
righteousness  which  we  have 
done,  but  according  to  his  mer- 
cy he  .saved  us  by  the  washing 
of  regeneration,  and  renewing 
of  the  Holy  Ghost. — That  be- 
ing justified  by  his  grace,  we 
should  be  made  heirs,  according 
to  the  hope  of  eternal  life. 
Eph.  i.  7.  In  whom  we  have 
redemption  through  his  blood, 
the  forgiveness  of  sins,  accord- 
ing to  the  riches  of  his  grace. 
Jer.  xxiii.  6.  In  his  days  Judah 
shall  be  saved,  and  Israel  shall 
dwell  safely;  and  this  is  the 
name  whereby  we  shall  be  cal- 
led, The  Lord  our  Righte- 
ess.  See  also  1  Cor.  i.  30, 
31.  and  Rom.  v.  17, 18,  19. 

c  Phil.  iii.  9.  And  be  found 
in  him,  not  having  mine  own 
righteousness,  which  is  of  the 
law,  but  that  which  is  through 


the  faith  of  Christ,  the  righte- 
ousness which  is  of  God  by 
faith.  Acts  xiii.  38,  39.  Eph. 
ii.  7.  and  ver.  8.  For  by  grace 
are  ye  saved,  through  faith; 
and  that  not  of  yourselves ;  it  is 
the  gift  of  God. 

II.  d  John  i.  12.  But  as  many 
as  received  him,  to  them  gave 
he  power  to  become  the  sons  of 
God,  even  to  them  that  believe 
on  his  name.  Rom.  iii.  28. 
Therefore  we  conclude  that  a 
man  is  justified  by  faith  with- 
out the  deeds  of  the  law.  Rom. 
v.  1.  Therefore  being  justified 
by  faith,  we  have  peace  with 
God,  through  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ. 

e  Jam.  ii.  17.  22.  26.  Even 
so  faith,  if  it  hath  not  works  is 
dead  being  alone; — Seest  thou 
how  faith  wrought  with  his 
works,  and  by  works  was  faith 
made  perfect? — For  as  the 
body  without  the  spirit  is  dead, 
so  faith  without  works  is  dead 
also.  Gal.  v.  6  For  in  Jesus 
Christ,  neither  circumcision 
availeth  any  thing,  nor  uncir- 
cumcision;  but  faith  which 
worketh  by  love. 


The  Confession  of  Faith. 


65 


justified,  and  did  make  a  proper,  real,  and  full 
satisfaction  to  his  Father's  justice  in  their  behalf f. 
Yet,  in  as  much  as  he  was  given  by  the  Father 
for  them  ff,  and  his  obedience  and  satisfaction  ac- 
cepted in  their  stead  h,  and  both  freely,  not  for  any 
thing  in  them,  their  justification  is  only  of  free 
grace  'l ;  that  both  the  exact  justice,  and  rich  grace 
of  God,  might  be  glorified  in  the  justification  of 
sinners  k. 

IV.  God  did,  from  all  eternity,  decree  to  jus- 
tify all  the  elect ' ;  and  Christ  did,  in  the  fulness 


III.  f  Rom.  v.  8,  9,  10.  19. 
But  God  commendeth  his  love 
towards  us,  in  that  while  we 
were  yet  sinners,  Christ  died 
for  us. — Much  more  then  being 
now  justified  by  his  blood,  we 
shall  be  saved  from  wrath 
through  him.  For  if  when  we 
were  enemies  we  were  recon- 
ciled to  God  by  the  death  of 
his  Son ;  much  more,  being  re- 
conciled, we  shall  be  saved  by 
his  life.  For  as  by  one  man's 
disobedience,  many  were  made 
sinners,  so  by  the  obedience 
of  one  shall  many  be  made 
righteous.  1  Tim.  ii.  6.  Who 
gave  himself  a  ransom  for  all, 
to  be  testified  in  due  time. 
Heb.  x.  10.  14  By  the  which 
will  we  are  sanctified,  through 
the  offering  of  the  body  of  Je- 
sus Christ  once/or  all :  For  by 
one  offering  he  hath  perfected 
for  ever  them  that  are  sancti- 
fied. See  albo  Dan.  ix.  24.  26. 
and  Is.  liii.  4,  5,  6.  10.  11,  12. 

g  Horn  viii.  32.  He  that  spar- 
ed not  his  own  Son,  but  deliver- 
ed him  up  for  us  all,  how,  shall 
he  not  with  him  also  freely 
give  us  all  things  ? 


h  2  Cor.  v.  21.  For  he  hath 
made  him  to  be  sin  for  us,  who 
knew  no  sin;  that  we  might 
be  made  the  righteousness  of 
God  in  him.  Matt.  iii.  17.  And 
lo,  a  voice  from  heaven,  saying, 
This  is  my  beloved  Son,  in  whom 
I  am  well  pleased.  Eph.  v.  2. 
And  walk  in  lore,  as  Christ 
also  hath  loved  us,  and  hath 
given  himself  for  us,  an  offering 
and  a  sacrifice  to  God,  for  a 
sweet-smelling  savour. 

'  Rum.  iii.  24.  Being  j> 
fied  freely  by  his  grace  through 
the  redemption  that  is  in  Jesus 
Christ.  Eph.  i.  7.  In  whom  we 
have  redemption  through  his 
blood,  the  forgiveness  of  sins, 
according  to  the  riches  of  his 
grace. 

k  Rom.  iii.  26.  To  declare, 
/  say,  at  this  time  his  righte- 
ousness, that  he  might  be", 
and  the  justifier  of  him  which 
btlieveth  in  Jesus.  Eph.  ii.  7. 
That,  in  the  ages  to  come,  he 
might  shew  the  exceeding 
I  <A  his  grace,  in  hi*  kind- 
ness towards  us  through  Chrib* 
Jesus. 

IV.   I  Gal.  iii.    8.    And  the 
F2 


66  The  Confession  of  Faith. 

of  time,  die  for  their  sins,  and  rise  again  for  their 
justification  m  :  nevertheless  they  are  not  justified, 
until  the  Holy  Spirit  doth,  in  due  time,  actually 
apply  Christ  unto  them  n. 

V.  God  doth  continue  to  forgive  the  sins  of 
those  that  are  justified0 :  and  although  they  can 
never  fall  from  the  state  of  justification  p,  yet  they 
may  by  their  sins  fall  under  God's  fatherly  dis- 
pleasure, and  not  have  the  light  of  his  counte- 
nance restored  unto  them,  until  they  humble 
themselves,  confess  their  sins,  beg  pardon,  and 
renew  their  faith  and  repentance  p. 

scripture  foreseeing   that  God  and  enemies  in  your  mind  by 

•would     justify     the      heathen  wicked  works,  yet  now  hath  he 

through  faith,  preached  before  reconciled,  in  the  body  of  his 

the  gospel  unto  Abraham,  say-  flesh,  through  death,  to  present 

ing%  In  thee  shall  all  nations  be  you  holy  and  unblameable,  and 

blessed.     1  Pet.    i.    2.    19,  20.  unreprovable  in  his  sight.     See 

Elect    according   to   the    fore-  also  Gal.  ii.  16.     And  Tit.  iii. 

knowledge  of  God  the  Father,  4,  5,  6,  7. 

through    sanctification   of    the  V.  °  Matt.  vi.  12.     And  for- 

Spirit,     unto    obedience,    and  give  us  our  debts,  as  we  forgive 

sprinkling  of  the  blood  of  Jesus  our  debtors.    1  John  i.  9.   If  we 

Christ. — But  with  the  precious  confess  our  sins,  he  is  faithful 

blood  of  Christ,  as  of  a  lamb  and  just  to  forgive  us  our  sins 

without  blemish,  and  without  and  to  cleanse  us  from  all  un- 

spot: — Who   verily   was  fore-  righteousness.     1  John   ii.  1. — 

ordained  before  the  foundation  If  any  man   sin,  we  have   an 

of  the  world,  but  was  manifest  advocate  with  the  Father,  Je- 

in  these  last  times  for  you.  See  sus  Christ  the  righteous. 

Rom.  viii.  30.  p  Luke  xxii.  32.    But  I  have 

m  Gal.  iv.  4.     But  when  the  prayed  for  thee,  that  thy  faith 

fulness  of  the  time  was  come,  fail  not ;  and  when    thou  art 

God  sent  forth  his  Son,  made  of  converted,  strengthen  thy  bre- 

a  woman,  made  under  the  law.  thren.      John   x.    28.      And   I 

1  Tim.  ii.  6.    Who  gave  him-  give    unto   them    eternal    life, 

self  a  ransom  for  all,  to  be  testi-  and    they  shall   never  perish, 

fied  in  due  time     Rom.  iv.  25.  neither  shall  any  pluck  them 

Who   was    delivered   for    our  out  of  my  hand.     Heb.  x.   14. 

offences,  and  was  raised  again  For  by  one  offering  he  hath  per- 

for  our  justification.  fected  for  ever  them  that  are 

»  Col.  i.   21,  22.     And    you,  sanctified, 

that  were  some  time  alienated  9  Ps.  lxxxix.  31,  32.    If  they 


The  Confession  of  Faith.  67 

VI.  The  justification  of  believers  under  the  Old 
Testament  was,  in  all  these  respects,  one  and  the 
same  with  the  justification  of  believers  under  the 
New  Testament r. 

break  my  statutes,   and  keep  then  they  which  be  of  faith  are 

not   my   commandments ;  blessed  with  faithful  Abraham: 

then    will  I  visit  their  trans-  — Christ    hath    redeemed    us 

gression  with  the  rod,  and  their  from  the  curse  of  the  law,  be- 

iniquity  with   stripes : Ver  ing  made  a  curse  for  us :   for 

33.     Nevertheless,   my  loving-  it  is  written,  Cursed   is  every 

kindness  will  I  not  utterly  take  one  that  hangeth  on  a  tree : — 

from  him,  nor  suffer  my  faith-  That  the  blessing  of  Abraham 

fulness  to  fail.  might    come    on    the   Gentiles 

Ps.  xxxii.  5.   I  acknowledged  through  Jesus  Christ  ;  that  we 

my    sin  unto    thee,   and   mine  might  receive  the  promise  of 

iniquity  have  I  not  hid  :  I  said,  the    Spirit    through   faith. 

1   will   confess  my    transgres-  Rom.  iv.  22,  23,  24.  And  there- 

sions  unto  the  Lord  ;  and  thou  fore  it  was  imputed  to  him  for 

forgavest  the    iniquity  of   my  righteousness.     Now  it  was  not 

sin.     Matt.  xxvi.  75.  'And  Pe-  written  for  his  sake  alone,  that 

ter  remembered  the  words  of  it   was  imputed  to    him.     But 

Jesus, — and   he  went   out  and  for  us  also,  to  whom  it  shall  be 

wept  bitterly.    See  also  Ps.  li.  imputed,  if  we  believe  on  him 

7,  8,  9,  10,  11,  12.  and  1  Cor.  that  raised  up  Jesus  our  Lord 

xi.  30.  32.  from  the  dead. 

VI.  .« fGal.  iii.  9.   13,  14.    So 


CHAPTER  XII. 
OF  ADOPTION. 

AL  L  those  that  are  justified,  God  vouch- 
safed!, in  and  for  his  only  Son  Jesus 
Christ,  to  make  partakers  of  the  grace  of  adop- 
tion a :  by  which  they  are  taken  into  the  number, 

I.  a  Eph.  i.  5.     Having  pre-  pleasure  of  his  will.     Gal.   iv. 

destinated  us  unto  the  adoption  4,   5.     God  sent  forth  his  Son, 

of  children  by  Jesus  Christ,  to  made  of  a  woman,  made  under 

himself,  according  to  the  good  the  law,  to  redeem  them  that 


68  The  Confession  of  Faith. 

and  enjoy  the  liberties  and  privileges  of  the  chil- 
dren of  God  b ;  have  his  name  put  upon  them  % 
receive  the  spirit  of  adoption d ;  have  access  to 
the  throne  of  grace  with  boldness e ;  are  enabled 
to  cry,  Abba,  Father f ;  are  pitied  g,  protected  h, 
provided  for \  and  chastened  by  him  as  by  a  fa- 
ther k  ;  yet  never  cast  off1,  but  sealed  to  the  day 
of  redemption ra,  and  inherit  the  promises0,  as 

were  under  the  law  ;  that  we  f  Gal.  iv.  6.  And  because  ye 
might  receive  the  adoption  of  are  sons,  God  hath  sent  forth 
sons.  the  Spirit  of  his  Son  into  your 

b  Rom.  viii.  17.  And  if  chil-  hearts,  crying,  Abba,  Father, 
dren,  then  heirs  ;  heirs  of  God,  g  Ps.  ciii.  13.  Like  as  a 
and  joint-heirs  with  Christ. —  father  pitieth  his  children :  so 
John  i.  12.  But  as  many  as  re-  the  Lord  pitieth  them  that 
ceived  him,  to  them  gave  he  fear  him. 
power  to  become  the  sons  of  h  Prov.  xiv.  26.  In  the  fear 
God,  even  to  them  that  believe  of  the  Lord  is  strong  confidence, 
on  his  name.  and  his  children  shall  have  a 

e  Jer.  xiv.  9.  Yet  thou,  O  place  of  refuge. 
Lord,  art  in  the  midst  of  us,  '  Matt.  vi.  30.  32.  Where- 
and  we  are  called  by  thy  name ;  fore  if  God  so  clothe  the  grass 
leave  us  not.  Rev.  iii.  12.  of  the  field,  which  to-day  is, 
Him  that  overcometh,  will  I  and  to-morrow  is  cast  into  the 
make  a  pillar  in  the  temple  of  oven,  shall  he  not  much  more 
my  God,  and  he  shall  go  no  clothe  you,  O  ye  of  little  faith  ? 
more  out;  and  I  will  write  — For  your  heavenly  Father 
upon  him  the  name  of  my  God,  knoweth  that  ye  have  need  of 
and  the  name  of  the  city  of  all  these  things.  1  Pet.  v.  7. 
my  God,  winch  is  new  Jerusa-  Casting  all  your  care  upon  him; 
lem,  which  cometh  down  out  of  for  he  careth  for  you. 
heaven  from  my  God,  and  k  Heb.  xii.  6.  For  whom 
I  will  write  upon  him  my  new  the  Lord  loveth,  he  chasteneth, 
name.  and  scourgeth  every  son  whom 

d    Rom.   viii.    15.     For  -we  he  receiveth. 
have  not  received  the  spirit  of       l  Lam.  iii.  31.    For  the  Lord 
bondage  again  to  fear ;  but  ye   will  not  cast  off  for  ever. 

have    received    the    spirit    of       m  Eph.  iv.  30. Whereby 

adoption,  whereby  we  cry  Abba,  ye  are  sealed  unto  the  day  of 
Father.  redemption. 

e  Eph.  iii.  12.  In  whom  we  n  Heb.  vi.  12.  That  ye  be 
have  boldness  and  access  with  not  slothful,  but  followers  of 
confidence  by  the  faith  of  him.  them,  who  through  faith  and 
Rom.  v.  2.  patience  inherit  the  promises. 


The  Confession  of  Faith. 
heirs  of  everlasting  salvation  °. 


69 


°  1  Pet.  i.  4.     To  an  inheri-  Heb.  i.    14.     Are   they  not  all 

tance    incorruptible  and  unde-  ministering  spirits,  sent  forth  to 

filed,  and  that  fadeth  not  away,  minister  for  them,  who  shall  be 

reserved    in   heaven    for   you.  heirs  of  salvation  ? 


CHAPTER  XIII. 


OF  SANCTIFICATION. 


THEY  who  are  effectually  called  and  rege- 
nerated, having  a  new  heart  and  a  new 
spirit  created  in  them,  are  farther  sarretified, 
really  and  personally,  through  the  virtue  of  Christ's 
death  and  resurrection  a,  by  his  word  and  Spirit 
dwelling  in  them  b :  the  dominion  of  the  whole 
body  of  sin  is  destroyed c,  and  the  several  lusts 


I.  *  1  Cor.  vi.  11.  And  such 
were  some  of  you  ;  but  ye  are 
washed,  but  ye  are  sanctified, 
but  ye  are  justified  in  the  name 
of  the  Lord  Jesus,  and  by  the 
Spirit  of  our  God.  Acts  xx. 
32.  And  now,  brethren,  I 
commend  you  to  God,  and  to 
the  word  ol  his  grace,  which  is 
able  to  build  you  up,  and  to 
give  you  an  inheritance  among 
all  them  which  art  sanctified. 
Phil.  iii.  10.  That  I  may  know 
him,  and  the  power  of  his  re- 
surrection, and  the  fellowship 
of  his  Bufferings,  being  made 
conformable  unto  his  death. 
See  also  Rom.  vi.  5,  6.  For  if 
we  have  l>ecjn  planted  together 
in  the  likeness  of  his  death, 


we  shall  be  also  in  the  likeness 
of  his  resurrection :  Knowing 
this,  that  our  old  man  is  cruci- 
fied with  himy  that  the  bod)  of 
sin  might  be  destroyed,  that 
henceforth  we  should  not  serve 
sin. 

b  Eph.  v.  26.  That  he  might 
sanctify  and  cleanse  it  with 
the  washing  of  water  by  the 
word.  2  Thess.  ii.  13  But  we 
are  bound  to  give  thanks  alway 
to  God  for  you,  brethren,  be- 
loved of  the  Lord,  because 
God  hath  from  the  beginning 
chosen  you  to  salvation,  through 
sanctification  of  the  Spirit  and 
belief  of  the  truth. 

c  Horn.  vi.  6.  14.  Knowing 
this,  that  our  old  man  is  cruci- 


70 


The  Confession  of  Faith. 


thereof  .are  more  and  more  weakened  and  morti- 
fiedd,  and  they  more  and  more  quickened  and 
strengthened,  in  all  saving  graces  %  to  the  prac- 
tice of  true  holiness,  without  which  no  man  shall 
see  the  Lord  K 

II.  This  sanctification  is  throughout  in  the 
whole  man  g,  yet  imperfect  in  this  life  :  there  abid- 
eth  still  some  remnants  of  corruption  in  every 
part  h,  whence  ariseth  a  continual  and  irrecon- 
cileable  war,  the  flesh  lusting  against  the  spirit, 
and  the  spirit  against  the  flesh  \ 

III.  In  which  war,  although  the  remaining  cor^ 
ruption   for   a  time   may  much   prevail k,   yet, 


fied  with  him,  that  the  body  of 
sin  might  be  destroyed,  that 
henceforth  we  should  not  serve 
sin. — For  sin  shall  not  have  do- 
minion over  you :  for  ye  are 
not  under  the  law,  but  under 
grace. 

d  Gal.  v.  24.  And  they  that 
are  Christ's  have  crucified  the 
flesh  with  the  affections  and 
lusts.  Rom.  viii.  13.  For  if  ye 
live  after  the  flesh,  ye  shall  die: 
but  if  ye  through  the  Spirit  do 
mortify  the  deeds  of  the  body, 
ye  shall  live. 

e  Col.  i.  11.  Strengthened 
with  all  might  according  to  his 
glorious  power,  unto  all  patience 
and  long-suffering  with  joy- 
fulness.  Eph.  iii.  16.  That 
he  would  grant  you  according 
to  the  riches  of  his  glory,  to  be 
strengthened  with  might  by 
his  Spirit  in  the  inner  man. 

f  2  Cor.  vii.  1.  Having  there- 
fore these  promises,  dearly  be- 
loved, let  us  cleanse  ourselves 
from  all  filthiness  of  the  flesh 
and  spirit,  perfecting  holiness  in 


the  fear  of  God.  Heb.  xiL  14. 
Follow  peace  with  all  men,  and 
holiness,  without  which  no  man 
shall  see  the  Lord. 

II.  «  1  Thess.  v.  23.  And 
the  very  God  of  peace  sanctify 
you  wholly :  and  /  firay  God 
your  whole  spirit  and  soul  and 
body  be  preserved  blameless 
unto  the  coming  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ. 

h  1  John  i.  10.  If  we  say,  that 
we  have  not  sinned,  we  make 
him  a  liar,  and  his  word  is  not 
in  us.  Phil.  iii.  12.  Not  as 
though  I  had  already  attained, 
either  were  already  perfect ; 
but  I  follow  after,  if  that  I  may 
apprehend  that  for  which  also 
1  am  apprehended  of  Christ 
Jesus.  See  also  Rom.  vii.  18.  23. 

*  Gal.  v.  17.  For  the  flesh 
lusteth  against  the  spirit,  and 
the  spirit  against  the  flesh:  and 
these  are  contrary  the  one  to 
the  other ;  so  that  ye  cannot  do 
the  things  that  ye  would. 

III.  k  Rom.  vii.  23.  But  I 
see  another  law  in  my  mem- 


The  Confession  of  Faith.  71 

through  the  continual  supply  of  strength  from  the 
sanctifying  Spirit  of  Christ,  the  regenerate  part 
doth  overcome ■ :  and  so  the  saints  grow  in  gracem , 
perfecting  holiness  in  the  fear  of  God n. 

bers  warring  against  the  law  of  body,  unto  the  edifying  of  it- 
my  mind,  and  bringing  me  into   self  in  love, 
captivity  to  the  law  of  sin  which       ra  2  Pet.  iii.  18.     But  gr  w  in 
is  in  my  meml^ers.  grace,  and  in  the   knowledge 

1  Rom.  vi.  14.  For  sin  shall  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus 
not  have  dominion  over  you :  Christ.  2  Cor.  iii.  18.  Rut  we 
for  ye  are  not  under  the  law,  all  with  open  face  beholding  as 
but  under  grace.  1  John  v.  4.  in  a  glass  the  glory  of  the 
For  whatsoever  is  born  of  God,  Lord,  are  changed  into  the 
overcometh  the  world;  And  same  image,  from  glory  to 
this  is  the  victory  that  over-  glory,  even  as  by  the  Spirit  of 
cometh  the   world,    even    our   the  Lord. 

faith.  Eph.  iv.  16.  From  whom  n  2  Cor.  vii.  1.  Having  there- 
the  whole  body  fitly  joined  to-  fore  these  promises,  dearly  be- 
gether,  and  compacted  by  that  loved,  let  us  cleanse  ourselves 
which  every  joint  supplieth,  from  all  filth  in  ess  of  the  flesh 
according  to  the  effectual  work-  and  spirit,  perfecting  holiness 
ing  in  the  measure  of  every  in  the  fear  of  God. 
part,  maketh  increase  of  the 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

OF  SAVING  FAITH. 

THE  grace  of  faith,  whereby  the  elect  are 
enabled  to  believe  to  the  saving  of  their 
souls3,  is  the  work  of  the  Spirit  of  Christ  in 
their  hearts  b ;   and  is  ordinarily  wrought  by  the 

I.  a  Heb.  x.  59.  Rut  we  are  the  same  spirit  of  faith,  accord- 
not  of  them  who  draw  back  ing  as  it  is  written,  1  believed, 
unto  perdition ;  but  of  them  and  therefore  have  1  spoken, 
that  believe  to  the  saving  of  we  also  believe,  and  therefore 
the  soul.  speak.  Eph.  ii.  8.  For  bv  grace 

b  2  Cor.  iv.  13.    We  having  are   ye    saved,  through"   faith. 


72  The  Confession  of  Faith. 

ministry  of  the  word c :  by  which  also,  and  by 
the  administration  of  the  sacraments,  and  prayer, 
it  is  increased  and  strengthened  d. 

II.  By  this  faith,  a  Christian  believeth  to  be 
true,  whatsoever  is  revealed  in  the  word,  for  the 
authority  of  God  himself  speaking  therein c ;  and 
•acteth  differently,  upon  that  which  each  particu- 
lar passage  thereof  containeth ;  yielding  obedi- 
ence to  the  commands f,  trembling  at  the  threat- 
enings*,  and  embracing  the  promises  of  God  for 
this  life,  and  that  which  is  to  come  h.     But  the 


and  that  not  of  yourselves ;  it 
is  the  gift  of  God. 

c  Rom.  x.  14. 17.— How  shall 
they  believe  in  him  of  whom 
they  have  not  heard  ?  and  how 
shall  they  hear  without  a 
preacher  ? — So  then,  faith  com- 
tth  by  hearing,  and  hearing  by 
the  word  of  God. 

d  1  Pet.  ii.  2.  As  new-born 
babes,  desire  the  sincere  milk 
of  the  word,  that  ye  may  grow 
thereby  :  Luke  xvii.  5.  And 
the  apostles  said  unto  the  Lord, 
Increase  our  faith.  Rom.  i. 
16,  17.  For  I  am  not  ashamed 
of  the  gospel  of  Christ ;  for  it 
is  the  power  of  God  unto  sal- 
vation to  every  one  that  believ- 
eth, to  the  Jew  first,  and  also 
to  the  Greek. — For  therein  is 
the  righteousness  of  God  reveal- 
ed from  faith  to  faith  ;  as  it  is 
written,  The  just  shall  live  by 
faith.     See  also  Acts  xx.  32. 

II  e  1  Thess.  ii.  13.  For 
this  cause  also  thank  we  God 
without  ceasing,  because  when 
ye  received  the  word  of  God 
which  ye  heard  of  us,  ye  re- 
ceived it  not  as  the  word  of 
man,  but  (as  it  is  in  truth)  the 
word  of  God,  which  effectually 
worketh  also  in  you  that  be- 


lieve. 1  John  v.  10.  He  that 
believeth  on  the  Son  of  God, 
hath  the  witness  in  himself; 
he  that  believeth  not  God, 
hath  made  him  a  liar,  because 
he  believeth  not  the  record  that 
God  gave  of  his  Son.  Acts 
xxiv.  14 — believing  all  things 
which  are  written  in  the  law 
and  the  prophets. 

f  Rom.  xvi.  26.  But  now  is 
made  manifest,  and  by  the 
scriptures  of  the  prophets,  ac- 
cording to  the  commandment 
of  the  everlasting  God,  made 
known  to  all  nations,  for  the 
obedience  of  faith. 

s  Is.  lxvi.  2. — To  this  man 
will  I  look,  even  to  him  that  is 
poor  and  of  a  contrite  spirit, 
.and  trembleth  at  my  word. 

h  Heb.  xi.  13.  These  all  died 
in  faith,  not  having  received 
the  promises,  but  having  seen 
them  afar  off,  and  were  per- 
suaded cf  them,  and  embraced 
them,  and  confessed  that  they 
were  strangers  and  pilgrims  on 
the  earth  1  Tim.  iv.  8. — But 
godliness  is  profitable  unto  all 
things,  having  promise  of  the 
life  that  now  is,  and  of  that 
which  is  to  come. 


The  Confession  of  Faith. 


J3 


principal  acts  of  saving  faith  are,  accepting,  re- 
ceiving, and  resting  upon  Christ  alone  for  justi- 
fication, sanctification  and  eternal  life,  by  virtue 
of  the  covenant  of  grace*. 

III.  This  faith  is  different  in  degrees,  weak  or 
strong k;  may  be  often  and  many  ways  assailed 
and  weakened,  but  gets  the  victory  1 ;  growing 
up  in  many  to  the  attainment  of  a  full  assurance 
through  Christ m,   who  is  both  the  author  and 


f  John  i  12.  But  as  many  as 
received  him,  to  them  gave  he 
power  to  become  the  sons  of 
God,  even  to  them  that  believe 
on  his  name.  Acts  xvi.  31.  And 
they  said,  Believe  on  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  and  thou  shalt  be 
saved  and  thy  house.  Gal.  ii. 
20.  I  am  crucified  with  Christ; 
nevertheless  I  live ;  yet  not  I, 
but  Christ  liveth  in"  me :  and 
the  life  which  I  now  live  in 
the  flesh,  I  live  by  the  faith  of 
the  Son  of  God  who  loved  me, 
and  gave  himself  for  me.  Acts 
xv.  11.  But  we  believe  that 
through  the  grace  of  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  we  shall  be  saved 
even  as  they. 

III.  k  Heb.  v.  13,  14.  For 
every  one  that  useth  milk,  is 
unskilful  in  the  word  of  righte- 
ousness; for  he  is  a  babe. — 
But  strong  meat  belongeth  to 
them  that  are  of  full  age,  even 
those  who  by  reason  of  use 
have  their  senses  exercised  to 
discern  both  good  and  evil. 
Rom.  iv.  19,  20.  And  being 
not  weak  in  faith,  he  considered 
not  liis  own  body  now  dead, 
when  he  was  about  an  hundred 
years  old,  neither  yet  the  dead- 
liest of  Sarah's  womb :  He 
staggered     not     at    the    pro- 


mise of  God  through  unbelief; 
but  was  strong  in  faith,  giving 
glory  to  God.  Matt.  vi.  30. 
Shall  he  not  much  more  clothe 
you,  O  ye  of  little  faith.  Matt, 
viii.  10-  When  Jesus  heard  it% 
he  marvelled  and  said  to  them 
that  followed,  Verily  I  say  unto 
you,  1  have  not  found  so  great 
faith,  no  not  in  Israel. 

1  Luke  xxii.  31,  32.  And  the 
Lord  said,  Simon,  Simon,  be- 
hold, Satan  hath  desired  :o  have 
you,  that  he  may  sift  you  as 
wheat : — But  I  have  prayed  for 
thee  that  thy  faith  fail  not :  and 
when  thou  ait  converted, 
strengthen  thy  brethren.  Eph. 
vi.  16.  Above  all,  taking  the 
shield  of  faith,  wherewith  ye 
shall  be  able  to  quench  all  the 
fiery  darts  of  die  wicked.  1 
John  v.  4,  5.  For  whatsoever 
is  born  of  God  overcometh  the 
world  :  and  this  is  the  victory 
that  overcometh  the  world, 
even  cur  faith — Who  is  he  that 
overcometh  the  world,  but  he 
that  believeth  that  Jesus  is  the 
Son  of  God? 

m  Heb.  vi.  11,  12.  And  we 
desire  that  every  one  of  you  do 
shew  the  same  diligence  to 
the  full  assurance  of  hope  unto 
tii'*    end: — That     )e    be    not 

G 


74  The  Confession  of  Faith. 

finisher  of  our  faith  n. 

slothful,  but  followers  of  them  led  from    an   evil   conscience, 

who  through  faith  and  patience  and    our   bodies  washed  with 

inherit  the  promises.     Heb.  x.  pure  water. 
22.    Let  us  draw  near  with  a        n  Heb.  xii.  2.    Looking  unto 

true  heart  in  full  assurance  of  Jesus,  the  author  and  finisher 

faith,  having  our  hearts  sprink-  of  our  faith. 


CHAPTER  XV. 

OF  REPENTANCE  UNTO  LIFE. 

REPENTANCE  unto  life  is  an  evangelical 
grace  %  the  doctrine  whereof  is  to  be 
preached  by  every  minister  of  the  gospel,  as  well 
as  that  of  faith  in  Christ  \ 

II.  By  it  a  sinner,  out  of  the  sight  and  sense, 
not  only  of  the  danger,  but  also  of  the  filthiness 
and  odiousness  of  his  sins,  as  contrary  to  the  holy 
nature  and  righteous  law  of  God,  and  upon  the 
apprehension  of  his  mercy  in  Christ  to  such  as 
are  penitent,  so  grieves  for  and  hates  his  sins,  as 
to  turn  from  them  all  unto  God c,  purposing  and 

L  a  Acts  xi.  18.  When  they  God  is  at  hand :  repent  ye,  and 
heard  these  thiitgs,  they  held  believe  the  gospel.  Acts  xx. 
their  peace,  and  glorified  God,  21.  Testifying  both  to  the 
saying,  Then  hath  God  also  to  Jews,  and  also  to  the  Greeks, 
the  Gentiles  granted  repen-  repentance  toward  God,  and 
lance  unto  life.     Zach.  ii.  10.     faith   toward  our   Lord   Jesus 

b  Luke  xxiv.  47.  And  that  Christ, 
repentance  and  remission  of  II.  c  Ezek.  xviii.  30,  31.  Re- 
sins should  be  preached  in  his  pent  and  turn  yourselves  from 
name  among  all  nations,  be-  all  your  transgressions;  so  ini- 
ginning  at  Jerusalem.  Mark  i.  quity  shall  not  be  your  ruin  ; 
15.  And  saying,  The  time  is  —Cast  away  from  you  all 
fulfilled,  and   the  kingdom  of  your  transgressions  whereby  ye 


The  Confession  of  Faith. 


iO 


endeavouring  to  walk  with  him,  in  all  the  ways 
of  his  commandments  d. 

III.  Although  repentance  be  not  to  be  rested 
in  as  any  satisfaction  for  sin,  or  any  cause  of  the 
pardon  thereof6,  which  is  the  act  of  God's  free 
grace  in  Christ f ;  yet  is  it  of  such  necessity  to  all 


have  transgressed,  and  make 
you  a  new  heart  and  a  new 
spirit;    for  why   will    ye  die, 

0  house  of  Israel?  Ez.  xxxvi. 
31.  Then  shall  ye  remember 
your  own  evil  ways,  and  your 
doings  that  were  not  good,  and 
shall  loathe  yourselves  in  your 
own  sight,  for  your  iniquities, 
and  for  your  abominations.  Ps. 
li.  4.  Against  thee,  thee  only 
have  I  sinned,  and  done  this 
evil  in  thy  sight ;  that  thou 
mightest  be  justified  when  thou 
speakest,  and  be  clear  when 
thou  judgest.    Jer.  xxx.  18,  19 

1  have  surely  heard  Ephraim 
bemoaning  himself  thus,  Thou 
hast  chastised  me,  and  I  was 
chastised,  as  a  bullock  unac- 
customed to  the  yoke :  turn 
thou  me,  and  I  shall  be  turned ; 
for  thou  art  the  Lord  my  God. 
Surely  after  that  I  was  turned, 
I  repented ;  and  after  that  I  was 
turned,  I  smote  upon  my  thigh ; 
I  was  ashamed,  yea,  even  con- 
founded, because  I  did  bear 
the  reproach  of  my  youth.  2 
Cor.  vii.  11.  For  behold,  this 
^elf  same  thing  that  ye  sor- 
rowed after  a  godly  sort,  what 
carefulness  it  wrought  in  you, 
yea,  what  clearing  of 
selves,  yea,  w/nt  indigo 
yea,  what  fear,  yea,  whm 
hement  desire,  yea,  what 
yea,  what  revenge!  In  all 
things  ye  have  approved  your- 

es  to  be  clear  in  this  mat- 


ter.    See  also   Joel   ii.  12,  13. 
Amos  v.  15.  and  Ps.  cxix.  128. 

d  Ps.  cxix.  6.  59.  106.  Then 
shall  I  not  be  ashamed,  when  I 
have  respect  unto  all  thy  com- 
mandments.— I  thought  on  my 
ways,  and  turned  my  feet  unto 
thy  testimonies. — 1  have  sworn, 
and  I  will  perform  it,  that  I 
will  keep  thy  righteous  judg- 
ments. Luke  i.  6.  And  they 
were  both  righteous  before  God, 
walking  in  all  the  command- 
ments and  ordinances  of  the 
Lord  blameless.  See  also  2 
Kings  xxiii.  25. 

III.  e  Ez  xxxvi.  31,  32.  Then 
shall  ye  remember  your  own 
evil  ways,  and  your  doings  that 
were  not  good,  and  shall  loathe 
yourselves  in  your  own  sight 
for  your  iniquities,  and  for  your 
abominations. — Not  for  your 
sakes  do  I  this,  saith  the  Lord 
God  ;  be  it  known  unto  you :  be 
ashamed  and  confounded  for 
your  own  ways,  O  house  of  Is- 
rael. Ez.  xvi.  63.  That  thou 
mayest  remember  and  be  con- 
founded, and  never  open  thy 
mouth  any  more  because  of  thy 
shame,  when  I  am  pacified  to- 
ward thee  for  all  thou  hast  done, 
the  Lord  God- 

1  11  1.     Take  with 

tarda,    and    turn    to    the 

;    say    unto    him,    Take 

all  iniquity,  and  ret 

us  graciously ;  so  will  we  render 

the  calves  of  our  lips.    1  will 


76 


The  Confession  of  Faith. 


sinners,  that  none  may  expect  pardon  without  it  K 

IV.  As  there  is  no  sin  so  small  but  it  deserves 
damnation  h ;  so  there  is  no  sin  so  great,  that  it 
can  bring  damnation  upon  those  who  truly  repent  K 

V.  Men  ought  not  to  content  themselves  with 
a  general  repentance,  but  it  is  every  man's  duty 
to  endeavour  to  repent  of  his  particular  sins,  par- 
ticularly k. 

VL  As  every  man  is  bound  to  make  private 
confession  of  his  sins  to  God,  praying  for  the 
pardon  thereof } ;  upon  which,  and  the  forsaking 


heal  their  backsliding,  I  will 
love  them  freely ;  for  mine  an- 
ger is  turned  away  from  him. 
Horn  iri.  24.  Being  justified 
freely  by  his  grace  through  the 
redemption  that  is  in  Jesus 
Christ.    Eph.  i.  7. 

£  Luke  xiii.  3.  5.  I  tell  you, 
nay  ;  but  except  ye  repent,  ye 
shall  all  likewise  perish.  Acts 
xvii.  SO. 

IV.  h  Rom.  vi.  23.  For  the 
wages  of  sin  is  death.  Matt, 
xii.  36.  But  I  say  unto  you, 
that  every  idle  word  that  men 
shall  speak,  they  shall  give  ac- 
acount  thereof  in  the  day  of 
judgment. 

'  Is.  lv.  7.  Let  the  wicked 
forsake  his  way,  and  the  un- 
righteous man"  his  thoughts ; 
and  let  him  return  unto  the 
Lord,  and  he  will  have  mercy 
upon  him ;  and  to  our  God,  for 
lie  will  abundantly  pardon. 
Rom.  viii.  1.  There  is  there- 
fore now  no  condemnation  to 
them  that  are  in  Christ  Jesus, 
who  walk  not  after  the  flesh, 
but  after  the  Spirit.  Is.  i.  18. 
Come  now  and  let  us  reason 
together,  saith  the  Lord;  though 
your  sins  be  as   scarlet,   they 


shall  be  as  white  as  snow : 
though  they  be  red  like  crim- 
son, they  shall  be  as  wool. 

V.  k  Ps.  xix.  13.  Keep  back 
thy  servant  also  from  presump- 
tuous sins,  let  them  not  have 
dominion  over  me,  then  shall 
I  be  upright,  and  I  shall  be  in- 
nocent from  the  great  trans- 
gression. Luke  xix.  8.  And 
Zaccheus  stood  and  said  unto 
the  Lord,  Behold,  Lord,  the 
half  of  my  goods  I  give  to  the 
poor :  and  if  I  have  taken  any 
thing  from  any  man  by  false 
accusation,  I  restore  him  four- 
fold. 1  Tim.  i.  13.  15.  Who 
was  before  a  blasphemer,  and 
a  persecutor,  and  injurious. 
But  I  obtained  mercy,  because 
I  did  it  ignorantly  in  unbelief. 
This  is  a  faithful  saying  and 
worthy  of  all  acceptation,  that 
Chiist  Jesus  came  into  the 
world,  to  save  sinners,  of  whom 
I  am  chief. 

VI.  '  Ps.  xxxii.  5,  6.  I  ac- 
knowledged myosin  unto  thee, 
and  mine  iniquity  have  I  not 
hid  ;  I  said,  I  will  confess  my 
transgressions  unto  the  Lord ; 
and  thou  forgavest  the  iniquity 
of   my  sin.     Selah.— For    this 


The  Confession  of  Faith.  77 

of  them,  he  shall  find  mercy  m  :  so  he  that  scan- 
dalizeth  his  brother,  or  the  church  of  Christ, 
ought  to  be  willing,  by  a  private  or  public  confes- 
sion and  sorrow  for  his  sin,  to  declare  his  repen- 
tance to  those  that  are  offended  n ;  who  are  there- 
upon to  be  reconciled  to  him,  and  in  love  to  re- 
ceive him  °. 

shall  every  one  that  is  godly  Take  heed   to  yourselves:   1£ 

pray  unto  thee  in  a  time  when  thy    brother    trespass    against 

thou  mayest  be   found :  surely  thee,    rebuke  him :  and  if  he 

in  the   floods  of  great   waters,  repent,    forgive    him.    Ver.  4, 

they  shall  not  come  nigh  unto  And  if  he  trespass  against  thee 

him.    See  also  Ps.  li.  4,  5.  7.  9.  seven  times  in  a  day,  and  seven 

14.      N  times  in  a    day  turn   again  to 

m  Prov.  xxviii    13.     He  that  thee,    saving,  I  repent;    thou 

covereth  his  sins  shall  not  pros-  shalt  forgive  him.  Josh.  vii.  19. 

per :  but  whoso  confesseth  and  And  Joshua  said  unto  Achan, 

forsaketh  them  shall  have  mer-  My  son,  give,  I  pray  thee,  glory 

cy.     1  John  i.  9.     If  we  confess  to  the  Lord  God  of  Israel,  and 

our  sins,  he  is  faithful  and  just  make  confession  to  him  ;  and 

to  forgive  us  our  sins.  tell  me  now   what   thou    hast 

n  James  v.  16.  Confess  your  done,  hide  it  not  from  me.  Ps. 
faults  one  to  another,  and  pray  51.  throughout. 
one  for  another,  that  ye  may  °  2  Cor.  ii.  8.  Wherefore  I 
be  healed:  the  effectual  fer-  beseech  you  that  ye-would  con- 
vent prayer  of  a  righteous  man  firm  your  love  towards  him. 
a?aileth  much.     Luke  xvii.  3.  See  Gal.  vi.  1,  2. 


G 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

OF  GOOD  WORKS. 

O  O  D  works  are  only  such  as  God  hath 
commanded  in  his  holy   word*,  and  not 


I.  *  Micah   vi    8.    He  hath    require  of  thee,  but  to  do  justly, 
shewed  thee,  O  man,  what  is    and    to    love    mercy,    ■ 
good;  and  what  doth  the  Lord   walk   humbly  with    thy 

G  2 


78 


The  Confession  of  Fait  I i. 


such  as  without  the  warrant  thereof,  are  devised 
by  men  out  of  blind  zeal,  or  upon  any  pretence 
of  good  intention  *>. 

II.  Thtse  good  works,  done  in  obedience  to 
God's  commandments,  are  the  fruits  and  evidea* 
ces  of  a  true  and  lively  faith  c:  and  by  them  be- 
lievers  manifest  their  thank  fulness d,  strengthen 
their  assurance  e,  edify  their  brethren  f,  adorn  the 
profession  of  the  gospel  &,  stop  the  mouths  of  the 


Rom.  xii.  2.  And  be  not  con- 
formed to  this  world:  but  be 
ye  transformed  by  the  renewing 
of  your  mind,  that  ye  may 
prove  what  is  that  good  and 
acceptable  and  perfect  will  of 
God.  Heb.  xiii.  21.  Make  you 
perfect  in  every  good  work  to 
do  his  will. 

b  Matt.  xv.  9.  But  in  vain 
they  do  worship  me,  teaching 
for  doctrines  the  command- 
ments of  men  Is.  xxix.  13. 
Wherefore  the  Lord  said,  For- 
asmuch as  this  people  draw 
near  me  with  their  mouth,  and 
with  their  lips  do  honour  me, 
but  have  removed  their  heart 
far  from  me :  and  their  fear 
towards  me  is  taught  by  the 
precepts  of  men.  John  xvi  2. 
They  shall  put  you  out  of  the 
synagogues;  yea,  the  time 
cometh  that  whosoever  killeth 
you  will  think  that  he  doeth 
tiod  service.  1  San),  xvii.  21, 
22,  23 

^  II.  c  James  ii.  18.  22.  Yea, 
a  man  may  say,  Thou  hast  faith; 
and,  I  have  works:  shew  me 
thy  faith  without  thy  works, 
and  I  will  shew  thee  my  faith 
by  my  works,— Seest  thou  how 
faith  wrought  with  his  works, 
and  by  works  was  faith  made 
perfect  ? 


d  Ps.  cxvi.  12,  13.  What 
shall  I  render  unto  the  Lord 
for  all  his  benefits  towards  me. 
" — I  will  take  the  cup  of  salva- 
tion, and  call  upon  the  name 
of  the  Lord.  1  Pet.  ii.  9.  But 
ye  are  a  chosen  generation,  a 
royal  priesthood,  an  holy  na- 
tion, a  peculiar  people ;  that  ye 
should  shew  Forth  the  praises 
of  him  who  hath  called  you 
out  of  darkness  into  his  mar- 
vellous light. 

• e  1  John  ii.  3.  5.  And  hereby 
we  do  know  that  we  know- 
him,  if  we  keep  his  command- 
ments.— But  who  so  keepeth 
his  word,  in  him  verily  is  the 
love  of  God  perfected."  Hereby 
know  we  that  we  are  in  him* 
2  Pet.  x.  5,  6,  7,  8,  9,  10.* 

f  2  Cor.  ix.  2.  For  I  know 
the  forwardness  of  your  mind, 
for  which  I  boast  of  you  to 
them  of  Macedonia,that  Achaia 
was  ready  a  year  ago ;  and  your 
zeal  hath  provoked  very  many. 
Matt.  v.  16.  Let  your  light  so 
shine  before  men,  that  they 
may  see  your  good  works,  and 
glorify  your  Father  which  is 
in  heaven. 

*  Tit  ii.  5.  To  be  discreet, 
chaste,  keepers  at  home,  good, 
obedient  to  their  own  husbands, 
that  the  word  of  God  be  no 


The  Confession    of  Faith.  79 

adversaries  h,  and  glorify  God1,  whose  workman- 
ship they  are,  created  in  Christ  Jesus  thereunto  k, 
that,  having  their  fruit  unto  holiness,  they  may 
have  the  end,  eternal  life  K 

I W.  Their  ability  to  do  good  works  is  not  at 
all  of  themselves,  but  wholly  from  the  Spirit  of 
Christ1".  And  that  they  may  be  enabled  there- 
unto, besides  the  graces  they  have  already  received, 
there  is  required  an  actual  influence  of  the  same 
Holy  Spirit  to  work  in  them  to  will  and  to  do  of 
his  good  pleasure11 ;  yet  are  they  not  hereupon  to 
grow  negligent,  as  if  they  were  not  bound  to 
perform  any  duty  unless  upon  a  special  motion  of 
the  Spirit ;  but  they  ought  to  be  diligent  in  stir- 
blasphemed.  1  Tim.  vi  1  Let  which  God  hath  before  ordained 
as  many  servants  as  are  under  that  we  should  walk,  in  them, 
the  yoke  count  their  own  mas-  *  Rom  vi.  22.  But  now  being 
ters  worthy  of  all  honour;  that  made  free  from  sin,  and  become 
the  name  of  God  and  his  dec-  servants  to  God,  ye  have  your 
trine  be  not  blasphemed.  See  fruit  unto  holiness,  and  the  end 
also  Tit.  ii.  9,  10,  11,  12.  everlasting  life. 

h  1  Pet.  ii.  15  For  so  is  the  III.  m  John  xv.  5.  I  am  the 
will  of  God,  that  with  well  do-  vine,  ye  are  the  branches  He 
ing  ye  may  put  to  silence  the  that  abideth  in  me,  and  1  in 
ignorance  of  foolish  men.  him,   the  same  bringeth  forth 

'  *  1  Pet.  ii.  12.  Having  your  much  fruit:  for  without  me 
conversation  honest  among  the  ye  can  do  nothing.  Ver.  6.  If 
Gentiles  ;  that  whereas  they  a  man  abide  not  in  me,  he  is 
speak  against  you  as  evil  doers,  cast  forth  as  a  branch,  and  is 
they  may,  by  your  good  works  withered  :  and  men  gather 
which  they  shall  behold,  glorify  them  and  cast  them  into  the 
God  in  the  day  of  visitation,  fire-  See  Ez.  xxxvi.  26,  27. 
Phil.  i.  11.  Being  filled  with  n  Phil.  ii.  13.  Fur  it  is  God 
the  fruits  of  righteousness,  which  worketh  in  you  both  to 
which  are  by  Jesus  Christ,  unto  will  and  to  do  of  his  good  plea- 
the  glory  and  praise  of  God.  sure.  Phil.  iv.  13.  I  can  do  all 
John  xv.  8  Herein  is  my  things  through  Christ  which 
Father  glorified,  that  ye  bear  strengthereih  me.  "2  Coi 
much  fruit.  5.     Not  that  we  are   sufficient 

k  Eph  ii.  10  For  we  are  of  ourselves  to  think  any  thing 
his  workmanship,  created  in  as  of  ourselves:  but  Our  suffi- 
Christ  Jesus  unto  good  works,   nency  Eg  of  God. 


80 


The  Confession  of  Faith. 


ring  up  the  grace  of  God  that  is  in  them  °. 

IV.  They,  who  in  their  obedience,  attain  to 
the  greatest  height  which  is  possible  in  this  life, 
are  so  far  from  being  able  to  supererogate  and  to 
do  more  than  God  requires,  that  they  fall  short  of 
much,  which  in  duty,  they  are  bound  to  do  ?. 

V.  We  cannot,  by  our  best  works  merit  par- 
don of  sin,  or  eternal  life,  at  the  hand  of  God, 
by  reason  of  the  great  disproportion  that  is  be- 
tween them  and  the  glory  to  come,  and  the  infi- 
nite distance  that  is  between  us  and  God,  whom 
by  them  we  can  neither  profit,  nor  satisfy  for  the 
debt  of  our  former  sins q ;  but  when  we  have 
done  all  we  can,  we  have  done  but  our  duty  and 


°  Phil.  ii.  12.  Wherefore 
my  beloved,  as  ye  have  always 
obeyed,  not  as  in  my  presence 
only,  but  now  much  more  in 
my  absence,  work  out  your 
own  salvation  with  fear  and 
trembling.  Heb.  vi.  11,  12. 
And  we  desire  that  every  one 
of  you  do  shew  the  same  dili- 
gence to  the  full  assurance  of 
hope  unto  the  end — That  ye 
be  not  slothful,  but  followers 
of  them  who  through  faith  and 
patience  inherit  the  promises. 
Is.  lxiv.  7.  And  there  is  none 
that  calleth  upon  thy  name, 
that  stirreth  up  himself  to  take 
hold  of  thee :  for  thou  hast  hid 
hy  face  from  us,  and  hast  con- 
sumed us,  because  of  our  ini- 
quities. See  also  2  Pet.  i.  3. 
5.  10,  11.  and  2  Tim.  i.  6.  and 
Acts  xxvi.  6,-7.  together  with 
Jude  20  and  21  verses. 

IV.  p  Luke  xvii.  10.  So  like- 
wise ye,  when  ye  -shall  have 
done  all  these  things  which  are 
commanded  you,  say,  We  are 


unprofitable  servants  :  we  have 
done  that  which  was  our  duty 
to  do.  Job  ix.  2,  3. — But  how 
should  man  be  just  with  God  ? 
— If  he  will  contend  with  him, 
he  cannot  answer  him  one  of  a 
thousand.  Gal.  v  17.  For  the 
flesh  lusteth  against  the  spirit, 
and  the  spirit  against  the 
flesh  :  and  these  are  contrary 
the  one  to  the  other ;  so  that 
ye  cannot  do  the  things  that  ye 
would. 

V.  q  Rom.  iii.  20.  Therefore 
by  the  deeds  of  the  law,  there 
shall  no  flesh  be  justified  in  his 
sight;  For  by  the  law  is  the 
knowledge  of  sin.  Rom.  iv.  2. 
4.  6.  For  if  Abraham  were 
justified  by  works,  he  hath 
whereof  to  glory,  but  not  be- 
fore God. — Now  to  him  that 
worketh  is  the  reward  not 
reckoned  of  grace,  but  of  debt. 
Even  as  David  also  describeth 
the  blessedness  of  the  man  unto 
whom  God  imputeth  righteous- 
ness without  works.    Eph.  ii. 


The  Confession  of  Faith.  81 

are  unprofitable  servants r ;  and  because,  as  they 
are  good,  they  proceed  from  his  Spirit1 ;  and,  as 
they  are  wrought  by  us,  they  are  defiled  and  mix- 
ed with  so  much  weakness  and  imperfection,  that 
they  cannot  endure  the  severity  of  God's  judg- 
ment *. 

VI.  Yet  notwithstanding,  the  persons  of  be- 
lievers being  accepted  through  Christ,  their  good 
works  also  are  accepted  in  him  u,  not  as  though 
they  were  in  this  life  wholly  unblameable  and  un- 
reprovable  in  God's  sight w  ;  but  that  he,  looking 
upon  them  in  his  Son,  is  pleased  to  accept  and 
reward  that  which  is  sincere,  although  accompa- 
nied with  many  weaknesses  and  imperfections  x. 

8, 9  For  by  grace  are  ye  saved,  thou,  Lord,  shouldst  mark  ini- 

through  faith;  and  that  not  of  quities,     O    Lord,    who    shall 

yourselves ;    it   is    the  gift  of  stand  ?  See  also  Gal.  v.  17.  and 

God. — Not  of  works,   lest  any  Rom.  vii.  15.  18. 
man  should  boast.     Ps    xvi.  2.       VI. n  Eph.  i.  6.  To  the  praise 

O  my  soul,  thou  hast  said  unto  of    the     glory    of    his    grace, 

the  Lord,  Thou  art  my  Lord,  wherein  he  hath   made  us  ac- 

my  goodness  extendeth  not  to  cepted  in  the  Beloved.     1  Pet. 

thee.    See  also  Tit.  hi.  5,  6,  7.  2.  5.     Ye  also,  as  lively  stones, 

Rom.  viii.  18.  22,  23.  and  chap,  are  built  up  a  spiritual  house, 

xxxv.  7,  8.  an  holy  priesthood,  to  offer  up 

r  Luke  xvii.    10.     See  letter  spiritual  sacrifices,  acceptable 

p  in  this  chap.  to  God  by  Jesus  Christ.    Gen. 

•   Gal.  v.  22,   23.    But   the  iv.    4.       And    Abel,    he    also 

fruit  of  the  Spirit  is  love,  joy,  brought  of  the  firstlings  of  his 

peace,    long-suffering,    gentle-  flock,  and  of  the  fat  thereof; 

ness,  goodness,  faith,  meekness,  and  the  Lord  had  respect  unto 

temperance.  Abel,  and  to  his  offering.  With 

c  Is.  Ixiv.  6.     But  we  are  all  Heb.  xi.  4 
as  an  unclean  thing,  and  all  our       w    J^b    ix,   20.     If  I   justify 

righteousnesses    are    as    filthy  myself,  mine  own  mouth  shall 

md  we  all  do  fade  as  a  condemn   me;  If  I  say,  I  am 

leaf,  and  our  iniquities  like  the  perfect,  it  shall  also  prove  me 

wind,  have  taken  us  away.    Ps  perverse.  Ps.  cxliii  2. 
cxliii.    2.     And  enter   not  into        ■  2  Cor.  viii.  12.  For  if  there 

judgment  with  thy  servant :  for  be   first   a    willing   mind,  it   is 

in  thy  sight  shall  no  man  living  accepted,   according  to  that  a 

!>e  justified.    Ps,  cxxx.   3.    If  man   hath,  and  not  according 


82 


The  Confession  of  Faith. 


VII.  Works  done  by  unregenerate  men,  al- 
though, for  the  matter  of  them,  they  may  be 
things  which  God  commands,  and  of  good  use 
both  to  themselves  and  others  y  ;  yet  because  they 
proceed  not  from  an  heart  purified  by  faith  %  nor 
are  done  in  a  right  manner,  according  to  the 
word  * ;  nor  to  a  right  end,  the  glory  of  God  h  ; 


to  that  he  hath  not.  Heb.  vi. 
10.  For  God  is  not  unrighte- 
ous to  forget  your  work,  and 
labour  of  love,  which  ye  have 
shewed  toward  his  name,  in 
that  ye  have  ministered  to  the 
saints,  and  do  minister.  Matt, 
xxv  21.  23.  His  lord  said 
unto  him,  Well  done,  thou  good 
and  faithful  servant ;  thou  hast 
been  faithful  over  a  few  things, 
I  will  make  thee  ruler  over 
many  things :  enter  thou  into 
the  joy  of  thv  lord. 

VII.  y  2  "Kings  x.  30,  31. 
And  the  Lord  said  unto  Jehu, 
Because  thou  hast  done  well 
in  executing  that  which  is  right 
in  mine  eyes,  and  hast  done 
unto  the  house  of  Ahab,  accord- 
ing to  all  that  was  in  mine 
heart,  thy  children  of  the 
fourth  generation  shall  sit  on 
the  throne  of  Israel — But  Jehu 
took  no  heed  to  walk  in  the 
law  of  the  Lord  God  of  Israel, 
with  all  his  heart :  for  he  de- 
parted not  from  the  sins  of  Je- 
roboam, which  made  Israel  to 
sin.  Phil.  i.  15,  16.  18.  Some 
indeed  preach  Christ  even  of 
envy  and  strife ;  and  some  also 
of  good  will. — The  one  preach 
Christ  of  contention,  not  sin- 
cerely, supposing  to  add  afflic- 
tion to  my  bonds.— What  then  ? 
notwithstanding  every  way, 
whether    in    pretence,    or    in 


truth,  Christ  is  preached  ;  and 
I  thefein  do  rejoice. 

2  Heb.  xi.  4,  6.  By  faith 
Abel  offered  unto  God  a  more 
excellent  sacrifice  than  Cain,  by 
which  he  obtained  witness  that 
he  was  righteous,  God  testi- 
fying of  his  gifts :  and  by  it  he 
being  dead,  yet  speaketh.  But 
without  faith  it  is  impossible  to 
please  him  :  for  he  that  cometh 
to  God,  must  believe  that  he 
is,  and  that  he  is  a  rewarder 
of  them  that  diligently  seek 
him.    See  Gen.  xlv. 

a  1  Cor.  xiii.  3.  And  though 
I  bestow  all  my  goods  to  feed 
the  poor,  and  though  I  give  my 
body  to  be  burned,  and  have 
not  charity,  it  profiteth  me 
nothing.  Is.  i.  12.  When  ye 
come  to  appear  before  me,  who 
hath  required  this  at  your 
hand,  to  tread  my  courts  ? 

b  Matt.  vi.  2.  5.  16.  There- 
fore, when  thou  doest  thine 
alms,  do  not  sound  a  trumpet 
before  thee,  as  the  hypocrites 
do,  in  the  synagogues,  and  in 
the  streets,  that  they  may 
have  glory  of  men,  Verily,  I 
say  unto  you,  They  have  their 
reward.  And  when  thou  pray- 
est,  thou  shalt  not  be  as  the 
hypocrites  are  -  for  they  love  to 
pray  standing  in  the  synago- 
gues, and  in  the  corners  of  the 
streets,  that  thev  may  be  seen. 


The  Confession  of  Faith. 


83 


they  are  therefore  sinful,  and  cannot  please  God, 
or  make  a  man  meet  to  receive  grace  from  God c. 
And  yet  their  neglect  of  them  is  more  sinful,  and 
displeasing  unto  Godd. 


of  men :  Verily,  I  say  unto  you : 
They  have  their  reward. 
Moreover  when  ye  fast,  be 
not  as  the  hypocrites,  of  a  sad 
countenance  ;  for  they  disfigure 
their  faces,  that  they  may  ap- 

r*ar  unto  men  to  fast.    Verily 
say  unto  you,  They  have  their 
reward. 

c  Hag.  ii.  14.  So  is  this  peo- 
ple, and  so  is  this  nation  before 
me,  saith  the  Lord,  and  so  is 
every  work  of  their  hands,  and 
that  "which  they  offer  there  is 
unclean.  Tit  i.  15. — Unto  them 
that  are  defiled  and  unbeliev- 
ing is  nothing  pure,  but  even 
their  mind  and  conscience  is 
defiled  Amos  v.  21,  22.  I 
hate,  I  despise  your  feast-days, 
and  I  will  not  smell  in  your 
solemn  assemblies    Though  ye 


offer  me  burnt-offerings,  and 
your  meat- offerings,  I  will  not 
accept  them,  neither  will  I  re- 
gard the  peace-offerings  of 
your  fat  beasts.  See  also  Hos. 
I.  4.  Rom.  ix.  16.  and  Tit. 
iii.  5 

d  Ps.  xiv.  4.  Have  all  the 
workers  of  iniquity  no  know- 
ledge ?  who  eat  up  my  people 
as  they  eat  bread,  and  call  not 
upon  the  Lord.  Ps.  xxxvi.  3. 
The  words  of  his  mouth  are 
iniquity  and  deceit :  he  hath 
left  off  to  be  wise,  and  to  do 
good.  Job  xxi.  14.  Therefore 
they  6ay  unto  God,  Depart 
from  us,  for  we*  desire  not  the 
knowledge  of  thy  ways.  See 
also  Matt.  xxv.  41,  42,  43.  45. 
and  Matt  xxiii.  23. 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

OF  THE  PERSEVERANCE  OF  THE  SAINTS. 

THEY  whom  God  hath  accepted  in  his  Be- 
loved, effectually  called  and  sanctified  by 
his  Spirit,  can  neither  totally  nor  finally  fall  away 
from  the  state  of  grace ;  but  shall  certainly  per- 
severe therein  to  the  end,  and  be  eternally  saved  \ 


I.  *  Phil.  i.  6.     Being  confi-   he  which  hath   begun  a   good 
dent  of  this  very  thing,  that  work  in  you,  will  perform  it 


84 


The  Confession  of  Faith. 


II.  This  perseverance  of  the  saints  depends,  not 
upon  their  own  free-will,  but  upon  the  immuta- 
bility of  the  decree  of  election,  flowing  from  the 
free  and  unchangeable  love  of  God  the  Father b ; 
upon  the  efficacy  of  the  merit  and  intercession  of 
Jesus  Christ c ;  the  abiding  of  the  Spirit  and  of 
the  seed  of  God  within  them  d ;  and  the  nature  of 
the  covenant  of  grace e :  from  all  which  ariseth 


until  the  day  of  Jesus  Christ. 
John  x.  28,  29.  And  I  give 
unto  them  eternal  life;  and 
they  shall  never  perish,  neither 
shall  any  pluck  them  out  of 
my  hand.  My  Father  which 
gave  them  me,  is  greater  than 
all :  and  none  is  able  to  pluck 
them  out  of  my  Father's  hand. 
See  also  1  John  iii.  9.  and  1  Pet. 
i.  5.  9.     Job  xvii.  9. 

II.  b  2  Tim.  h.  19.  Never- 
theless.  the  foundation  of  God 
standeth  sure,  having  this  seal, 
The  Lord  knoweth  them  that 

are  his. Jer.   xxxi.  3.     The 

Lord  hath  appeared  of  old 
unto  me,  saying.  Yea,  I  have 
loved  thee  with  an  everlasting 
love ;  therefore  with  loving- 
kindness  have  I  drawn  thee 

c  Heb.  x.  10.  14.  By  the 
which  will  we  are  sanctified, 
through  the  offering  of  the 
body  of  Jesus  Christ,  once  for 
all.  For  by  one  offering  he 
hath  perfected  for  ever  them 
that  are  sanctified.  John  xvii. 
11.  24.  And  now  I  am  no 
more  in  the  world,  but  these 
are  in  the  world,  and  I  come 
to  thee.  Holy  Father,  keep 
through  thine  own  name,  those 
whom  thou  hast  given  me,  that 
they  may  be  one,  as  we  are. — 
Father,  I  will  that  they  also, 
whom  thou  hast  given  me,  be 


with  me  where  I  am;  that 
they  may  behold  my  glory, 
which  thou  hast  given  me :  for 
thou  lovedst  me  before  the  foun- 
dation of  the  world.  Heb.  vii. 
25.  Wherefore  he  is  able  also 
to  save  them  to  the  uttermost, 
that  come  unto  God  by  him, 
seeing  he  ever  liveth  to  make 
intercession  for  them.  Heb.  ix. 
12,  13,  14,  15.  Rom.  viii.  33. 
to  the  end.     Luke  xxii.  32. 

rf  John  xiv.  16,  17.  And  I 
will  pray  the  Father,  and  he 
shall  give  you  another  Comfort- 
er, that  he  may  abide  with  you 
for  ever ; — Even  the  Spirit  of 
truth ;  whom  the  world  cannot 
receive  ;  because  it  seeth  him 
not,  neither  knoweth  him ;  but 
ye  know  him  ;  for  he  dwelleth 
with  you,  and  shall  be  in  you. 
1  John  ii.  27.  But  the  anointing 
which  ye  have  received  of  him 
abideth  in  you,  and  ye  need  not 
that  any  man  teach  you,  but 
as  the  same  anointing  teacheth 
you  of  all  things,  and  is  truth, 
and  is  no  lie :  and  even  as  it 
hath  taught  you,  ye  shall  abide 
in  him.  1  John  iii.  9.  Whoso- 
ever is  born  of  God,  doth  not 
commit  sin ;  for  his  seed  re- 
maineth  in  him ;  and  he  cannot 
sin,  because  he  is  bom  of  God. 

*  Jer  xxxii.  40  And  I  will 
make  an  everlasting  covenant 


The  Confession  of  Faith. 


H: 


also  the  certainty  and  infallibility  thereof f. 

III.  Nevertheless  they  may,  through  the  tern- 
tations  of  Satan  and  of  the  world,  the  prevalency 
of  corruption  remaining*  in  them,  and  the  neglect 
of  the  means  of  their  preservation,  fall  into 
grievous  sins g ;  and  for  a  time  continue  therein  b : 
whereby  they  incur  God's  displeasure  \  and 
grieve  his  holy  Spirit k ;  come  to  be  deprived  of 
some  measure   of  their  graces  and  comforts ' ; 


with  them,  that  I  will  not  turn 
away  from  them,  to  do  them 
good;  but  I  will  put  my  fear 
in  their  hearts,  that  they  shall 
not  depart  from  me.  With 
Heb.  viii.  10,  11,  12. 

f  2  Thess.  iii.  3.  But  the 
Lord  is  faithful,  who  shall 
stablish  you,  and  keep  you  from 
evil.  1  John  ii.  19.  They  went 
out  from  us,  but  they  were  not 
of  us  :  for  if  they  had  been  of 
us,  they  would  no  doubt  have 
continued  with  us ;  but  they  ivc7it 
out%  that  they  might  be  made 
manifest,  that  they  were  net  all 
of  us.  John  x.  28.  They  ohall 
never  perish.  1  Thess.  v.  23, 
24. 

III.  e  Matt  xxvi.  70,  72.  74. 
But  he  denied  before  them,  all, 
saying,  I  know  not  what  thou 
sayest.  And  again  he  denied 
with  an  oath,  1  do  not  know 
the  man.  Then  began  he  to 
curse  and  to  swear,  taying,  I 
know  not  the  man. 

h  2  Sam.  xii.  9.  13.  Where- 
fore hast  thcu  despised  the 
commandment  of  the  Lord,  to 
do  evil  in  bis  hight?  Thou  hast 
killed  Uriah  the  Hittite  with 
the  sword,  and  hast  taken  his 
wife  to  be  thy  wife,  and  habt 


slain  him  with  the  sword  of  the 
children  of  Ammon  — And  Da- 
vid said  unto  Nathan,  1  hexve 
sinned  against  the  Lord.  And 
Nathan  said  unto  David,  The 
Lord  also  hath  put  away  thy 
sin ;  thou  shalt  not  die. 

1  Is.  Ixiv.  7.  9— For  thou 
hast  hid  thy  face  from  us,  and 
hast  consumed  us,  because  of 
our  iniquities. — Be  not  wroth 
very  sore,  O  Lord,  neither  re- 
member iniquity  for  ever ;  be- 
hold, see,  we  beseech  thee,  we 
are  all  thy  people.  2  Sam.  xi. 
17.  And  when  the  mourning 
was  past,  David  sent  and  fetch- 
ed her  to  his  house,  and  she 
became  his  wife,  and  bare  him 
a  son  ;  but  the  thing  that  David 
had  done  displeased  the  Lord. 

k  Eph.  iv.  30.  And  grieve 
not  the  Holy  Spirit  of  God, 
whereby  ye  are  sealed  unto  the 
day  of  redemption. 

''Ps.  Ii.  8  10  12.  Make  me 
to  hear  joy  and  gladness ;  that 
the  b<  nts  which  thou  hast  brok- 
en may  rejoice.  Create  in  me 
a  clean  heart,  O  God,  and  re- 
new a  right  spirit  within  me. 
Restore  unto  me  the  joy  of  thy 
salvation  ;  and  uphold  me  7vu'h 
ree  Spirit.   Rev.  ii.  4.  Ne- 

H 


86 


The  Confession  of  Faitlu 


have  their  hearts  hardened  m,  and  their  consciences 
wounded" ;  hurt  and  scandalize  others  °,  and  bring 
temporal  judgments  upon  themselves  p. 


vertheless,  I  have  somewhat 
against  thee,  because  thou  hast 
left  thy  first  love. 

m  Mark  vi.  52.  For  they 
considered  not  the  miracle  of 
the  loaves,  for  their  heart  was 
hardened.  Mark  xvi.  14.  Af- 
terward he  appeared  unto  the 
eleven,  as  they  sat  at  meat,  and 
upbraided  them  with  their  un- 
belief and  hardness  of  heart, 
because  they  believed  not  them 
which  had  6een  him,,  after  he 
was  risen.    Ps.  xcv.  8. 

n  Ps.  xxxii.  3,  4.  When  I 
kept  silence,  my  bones  waxed 
old  through  my  roaring  all  the 
day  long.  For  day  and  night 
thy  hand  was  heavy  upon  me : 
my  moisture  is  turned  into  the 


drought  of  summer.  Ps.  li.  8. 
Make  me  to  hear  joy  and  glad- 
ness :  that  the  bones  which  thou 
hast  broken  may  rejoice. 

°  2  Sam.  xii.  14.  Howbeit, 
because  by  this  deed  thou  hast 
given  great  occasion  to  the  ene- 
mies of  the  Lord  to  blaspheme, 
the  child  also  that  is  born  unto 
thee,  shall  surely  die. 

p  Ps.  lxxxix.  31.  If  they 
break  my  statutes,  and  keep 
not  my  commandments :  Ver. 
32.  Then  will  I  visit  their 
transgression  with  the  rod,  and 
their  iniquities  with  stripes.  1 
Cor.  xi.  32.  But  when  we  are 
judged,  we  are  chastened  of 
the^Lord,  that  we  should  not 
be  condemned  with  the  world. 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 


OF  THE  ASSURANCE  OF  GRACE  AND  SALVATION. 

ALTHOUGH  hypocrites,  and  other  unre- 
generate  men,  may  vainly  deceive  them- 
selves with  false  hopes  and  carnal  presumptions  of 
being  in  the  favour  of  God  and  estate  of  salvation* ; 

I.  *  Job  viii.  14.  Whose  add  drunkenness  to  thirst, 
hope  shall  be  cut  off;  and  whose  John  viii.  41.  Ye  do  the  deeds 
trust  shall  be  a  spider's  web.  of  your  father.  Then  said  they 
Deut.  xxix.  19.  I  shall  have  to  him,  We  be  not  born  of 
peace,  though  I  walk  in  the  fornication,  we  have  one  Father, 
imagination  of  mine  heart,  to  even  God. 


The  Confession  of  Faith. 


87 


which  hope  of  theirs  shall  perish  b :  yet  such  as 
truly  believe  in  the  Lord  Jesus,  and  love  him  in 
sincerity,  endeavouring  to  walk  in  all  good  con- 
science before  him,  may  in  this  life  be  certainly 
assured  that  they  are  in  a  state  of  grace  %  and  may 
rejoice  in  the  hope  of  the  glory  of  God ;  which 
hope  shall  never  make  them  ashamed d. 

II.  This  certainty  is  not  a  bare  conjectural  and 
probable  persuasion,  grounded  upon  a  fallible 
hope  ■ ;  but  an  infallible  assurance  of  faith,  found- 
ed upon  the  divine  truth  of  the  promises  of  sal- 
vation f,  the  inward  evidence  of  those  graces  unto 
which  these  promises  are  made g,  the  testimony  of 


b  Matt.  vii.  22,  23.  Many- 
will  say  to  me  in  that  day, 
Lord,  Lord,  have  we  not  pro- 
phesied in  thy  name  ?  and  in 
thy  name  have  cast  out  devils  ? 
and  in  thy  name  have  done 
many  wonderful  works  ?  And 
then  will  1  profess  unto  them, 
I  never  knew  you ;  depart  from 
me,  ye  that  work  iniquity.  Job 
viii.  13. 

c  1  John  ii.  3.  And  hereby 
we  do  know  that  we  know 
him,  if  we  keep  his  command- 
ments. 1  John  v.  13.  These 
things  have  I  written  unto  you 
that  believe  on  the  name  of 
the  Son  of  God ;  that  ye  may 
know  that  ye  have  eternal  life, 
and  that  ye  may  believe  on  the 
name  of  the  Son  of  God.  1 
John  ill.  14.  18,  19.  21   24. 

d  Rom.  v.  2.  5.  By  whom 
also  we  have  access  by  faith 
into  this  grace  wherein  we 
stand,   and  rejoice  in  hope  of 

the  glory  of  God And  hope 

maketh  not  ashamed,  because 
-the  love  of  God  is  shed  abroad 


in  our  hearts  by  the  Holy  Ghost, 
which  is  given*  unto  us. 

II.  e  Heb.  vi.  11  19.  And 
we  desire  that  every  one  of 
you  do  shew  the  same  diligence 
to  the  full  assurance  of  hope 
unto  the  end. — Which  hofie  we 
have  as  an  anchor  of  the  soul, 
both  sure  and  stedfast,  and 
which  entereth  into  that  within 
the  vail. 

1  Heb.  vi.  17,  18.  Wherein 
God  willing  more  abundantly 
to  shew  unto  the  heirs  of  pro- 
mise, the  immutability  of  his 
counsel,  confirmed  it  by  an 
oath  : — That  by  two  immutable 
things  in  which  it  was  impossi- 
ble for  God  to  lie,  we  might 
have  a  strong  consolation,  who 
have  fled  for  refuge  to  lay  hold 
upon  the  hope  set  before  us. 

Pet."  i.  4,  5.  10,  11. 
Whereby  are  given  unto  us 
exceeding  great  and  precious 
promises ;  that  by  these  ye 
might  be  partakers  of  the  di- 
vine nature,  having  escaped 
the  corruption  that  is  in  the 


88 


The  Confession  of  Faith. 


the  Spirit  of  adoption  witnessing  with  our  spirits 
that  we  are  the  children  of  God  h :  which  Spirit 
is  the  earnest  of  our  inheritance,  whereby  we  are 
sealed  to  the  day  of  redemption  l 

III  This  infallible  assurance  doth  not  so  belong 
to  the  essence  of  faith,  but  that  a  true  believer 
may  wait  long,  and  conflict  with  many  difficulties 
before  he  be  partaker  of  it  k  :  Yet,  being  enabled 
by  the  Spirit  to  know  the  things  which  are  freely 
given  him  of  God,  he  may,  without  extraordinary 
revelation,  in  the  right  use  of  ordinary  means,  at- 
tain thereunto  K     And  therefore  it  is  the  duty  of 


world  through  lust. — And  be- 
sides this,  giving  all  diligence, 
add  to  your  faith,  virtue ;  and 
to  virtue,  knowledge.  Where- 
fore the  rather,  brethren,  give 
diligence  to  make  your  calling 
and  election  sure ;  for  if  ye  do 
these  things,  ye  shall  never  fall. 
— For  so  an  entrance  shall  be 
ministered  unto  you  abundantly, 
into  the  everlasting  kingdom  of 
our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus 
Christ.  1  John  iii.  14.  We 
know  that  we  have  passed  from 
death  unto  life ;  because  we 
love  the  brethren.  1  John  ii.  3. 
and  2  Cor.  i.  12. 

h  Rom.  viii.  15,  16.  For  ye 
have  not  received  the  spirit  of 
bondage  again  to  fear,  but  ye 
have  received  the  Spirit  of 
adoption,  whereby  we  cry, 
Abba,  Father.  The  Spirit  it- 
self beareth  witness  with  our 
spirit  that  we  are  the  children 
of  God. 

*  Eph.  i.  13,  14.  In  whom 
ye  also  trusted  after  that  ye 
heard  the  word  of  truth,  the 
gospel  of  your  salvation ;  in 
whom  also  after  that   ye  be- 


lieved, ye  were  sealed  with 
that  holy  Spirit  of  promise, 
which  is  the  earnest  of  our  in- 
heritance, until  the  redemption 
of  the  purchased  possession, 
unto  the  praise  of  his  glory.  2 
Cor  i.  21,  22.  Now  he  which 
stablisheth  us  with  you  inChrist, 
and  hath  anointed  us,  is  God ; 
who  hath  also  sealed  us,  and 
given  the  earnest  of  the  Spirit 
in  our  hearts. 

III.  k  Is.  1. 10.  Whow  among 
you  that  feareth  the  Lord,  that 
obeyeth  the  voice  of  his  servant, 
that  walketh  in  darkness,  and 
hath  no  light  ?  Let  him  trust  in 
the  name  of  the  Lord,  and 
stay  upon  his  God.  1  John  v. 
13.  These  things  have  I  writ- 
ten unto  you  that  believe  on 
the  name  of  the  Son  of  God ; 
that  ye  may  know  that  ye  have 
eternal  life,  and  that  ye  may 
believe  on  the  name  of  the  Son 
of  God.  See  Ps.  Ixxxviii. 
throughout,  and  Ps.  lxxvii.  to 
the  12th  verse. 

1  1  Cor.  ii.  12.  Now  we  have 
received,  not  the  spirit  of  the 
world,  but  the  Spirit  which  is 


The  Confession  of  Faith. 


89 


every  one,  to  give  all  diligence  to  make  his  calling 
and  election  sure  m  ;  that  thereby  his  heart  may 
be  enlarged  in  peace  and  joy  in  the  Holy  Ghost, 
in  love  and  thankfulness  to  God,  and  in  strength 
and  cheerfulness  in  the  duties  of  obedience,  the 
proper  fruits  of  this  assurance  n  :  So  far  is  it  from 
inclining  men  to  looseness  °. 

IV.  True  believers  may  have  the  assurance  of 
their  salvation  divers  ways  shaken,  diminished  and 
intermitted ;  as,  by  negligence  in  preserving  of 
it,  by  falling  into  some  special  sin,  which  wound- 
cth  the  conscience,  and  grieveth  the  Spirit ;  by 


of  Gc  d ;  that  we  might  knew 
the  things  that  are  freely  given 
to  us  of  God.  1  John  iv.  13 
by  know  we  that  we  dwell 
in  him,  and  he  in  us,  because 
he  hath  given  us  of  his  Spirit. 
Heb.  vi.  11,  12.  And  we  desire 
that  every  one  of  you  do  shew 
the  same  diligence,  to  the  full 
assurance  of  hope  unto  the  end. 
That  ye  be  not  slothful,  but 
followers  of  them,  who  through 
faith  and  patience  inherit  the 
promises.  Eph.  iii.  17,  18,  19. 
*  m  2  Pet.  i.  10.  Wherefore 
the  rather,  brethren,  give  dili- 
gence to  make  your  calling  and 
election  sure  :  for  if  ye  do  these 
thines,  ye  shall  never  fall. 

n  Rom.  v.  1,  2.  5.    Therefore 
being  justified  by  faith,  we  have 

E*ace  with  God  through  our 
ord  Jesus  Christ. — By  whom 
also  we  have  access  by  faith 
into  this  grace  wherein  we 
stand,  and  rejoice  in  hop 
the  glory  of  God. — And  hope 
maketh  not  ashamed;  because 
the  love  of  God  is  shed  abroad 
in  our  hearts,  by  the  H<  ly 
Ghost  which  is  (riven  unto  us 


Rom.  xiv.  17.  For  the  kingdrm 
of  God  is  not  meat  and  drink, 
but  righteousness,  and  peace, 
and  joy  in  the  Holy  Ghost. 
Rom.  xv  13.  Now  the  God 
of  hope  fill  you  with  all  joy 
and  peace  in  believing,  that  ye 
may  abound  in  hope,  through 
the  power  of  die  Holy  Ghost. 
Ps.  cxix.  32.  I  will  run  the 
way  of  thy  commandments 
when  thou  shalt  enlarge  my 
heart.  Ps.  iv.  6,  7.  Eph.  i  3,  4. 
°  Rom.  vi.  1,  2.  What  shall 
we  say  then  ?  shall  we  con- 
tinue in  sin,  that  grace  may 
abound  ?  God  forbid  ;  how  shall 
we  that  are  dead  to  sin,  live 
any  longer  therein  ?  Tit.  ii.  11, 
12*  14.  For  the  grace  of  God 
that  bringeth  salvation  hath 
appeared  to  all  men: — Teach** 
ing  us,  that  denying  ung 
netfl     and    worldly    lusts,    we 

d  live  soberly,  rightc< 
and  godly  in  this  present  work!. 

.\e    himself  for   us, 

that  he  might  redeem  us  from 

all    iniquity,    and    purify    unto 

It"  a  peculiar  people,  zeal- 

I  works. 
H  2 


90  The  Confession  of  Frith. 

some  sudden  or  vehement  temptation ;  by  God's 
withdrawing  the  light  of  his  countenance,  and 
suffering  even  such  as  fear  him  to  walk  in  dark- 
ness  and  to  have  no  light p  :  Yet  are  they  never 
utterly  destitute  of  that  seed  of  God,  and  life  of 
faith,  that  love  of  Christ  and  the  brethren,  that 
sincerity  of  heart  and  conscience  of  duty,  out  of 
which,  by  the  operation  of  the  Spirit,  this  assur- 
ance may  in  due  time  be  revived q,  and  by  the 
which,  in  the  mean  time,  they  are  supported  from 
utter  despair  r. 

IV.  p  Cant.  v.  2,  S.  6.  I  lxxvii.  first  ten  verses,  and 
sleep,  but  my  heart  waketh :  Matt.  xxvi.  69,  70,  71,  72.  Ps. 
it  is  the  voice  of  my  beloved  xxxi.  22.  Ps.  Ixxxviii.  through- 
that  knccketh,  saying,  Open  out,  and  Is.  1.  10. 
to  me,  my  sister,  my  love,  my  <i  1  John  iii.  9.  Whosoever 
dove,  my  undefiled":  for  my  is  born  of  God  doth  not  corn- 
head  is  filled  with  dew,  and  mit  sin ;  for  his  seed  remaineth 
my  locks  with  the  drops  of  the  in  him :  and  he  cannot  sin,  be- 
night— I  have  put  off  my  coat,  cause  he  is  born  of  God-  Luke 
how  shall  I  put  it  on  ?  1  have  xxii.  32.  But  I  have  prayed 
washed  my  feet,  how  shall  I  for  thee,  that  thy  faith  fail  not. 
defile  them? — I  opened  to  my  Job  xiii.  15.  Though  he  slay 
beloved;  but  my  beloved  had  me,  yet  will  I  trust  in  him: 
withdrawn  himself,  and  was  but  I  will  maintain  mine  own 
gone ;  my  soul  failed  when  he  ways  before  him.  Ps.  lxxiii. 
spake;  I  sought  him,  but  I  15.  Ps.  li.  8  21.  with  Is.  1.  10. 
could  not  find  him  ;  I  called  r  Micah  vii.  7,  8,  9.  There - 
him,  but  he  gave  me  no  answer,  fore  I  will  look  unto  the  Lord ; 
Ps.  li  8.  12.  14.  Make  me  to  1  will  wait  for  the  God  of  my 
hear  joy  and  gladness ;  that  salvation  :  my  God  will  hear 
the  bones  which  thou  hast  brok-  me. — Rejoice  not  against  me, 
en  may  rejoice. — Restore  unto  O  mine  enemy :  when  I  fall,  I 
me  the  joy  of  thy  salvation;  shall  arise:  when  I  sit  in  dark  - 
and  uphold  me  with  thy  free  ness,  the  Lord  shall  be  a  light 
Spirit — Deliver  me  from  blood-  unto  me.  I  will  bear  the  in- 
guiltiness,  O  God,  thou  God  of  dignation  of  the  Lord,  because 
my  salvation:  and  my  trngue  I  have  sinned  against  him,  until 
shall  sing  aloud  of  thy  righte-  he  plead  my  cause,  and  execute 
ousness.  Eph  iv.  30.  And  judgment  for  me  :  he  will  bring 
grieve  not  the  Holy  Spirit  of  me  forth  to  the  light,  and  I 
God,  whereby  ye  are  sealed  shall  behold  his  righteousness, 
unto  the  day  of  redemption.  Is.  liv.?,  8. 
Compare  the*  above  with  Ps. 


The  Confession  of  Faith.  91 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

OF  THE  LAW  OF  GOD. 

GO  D  gave  to  Adam  a  law,  as  a  covenant  of 
works,  by  which  he  bound  him  and  all  his 
posterity  to  personal,  entire,  exact  and  perpetual 
obedience  ;  promised  life  upon  the  fulfilling,  and 
threatened  death  upon  the  breach  of  it ;  and  en- 
dued him  with  power  and  ability  to  keep  it  \ 

II.  This  law,  after  his  fall,  continued  to  be  a 
perfect  rule  of  righteousness ;  and,  as  such,  was 
delivered  by  God  upon  mount  Sinai  in  ten  com- 
mandments, and  written  in  two  tables  b ;  the  four 

I.  a  Gen.  i.  26.  And  God  man  sin  entered  into  the  world, 
said,  Let  us  make  man  in  our  and  death  by  sin,  and  so  death 
image,  after  our  likeness  : —  passed  upon  all  men,  for  that 
fien.  ii.  17.  But  of  the  tree  of  all  have  sinned- — For  as  by 
the  knowledge  of  good  and  one  man's  disobedience  many 
evil,  thou  shalt  not  eat  of  it  :  were  made  sinners;  so  by  the 
for  in  the  day  that  thou  eatest  obedience  of  one,  shall  many 
thereof,  thou  shalt  surely  die.  be  made  righteous.  See  also 
Horn.  ii.  14,  15.  For  when  the  Gal.  iii.  10.  12.  Ec.  vii.  12. 
Gentiles  which  have  not  the  and  Job.  xxviii.  28. 
law,  do  by  nature  the  things  II.  b  Jam.  i.  25.  But  whoso 
contained  in  the  law,  these  hav-  looketh  into  the  perfect  law  of 
ing  not  the  law,  are  a  law  unto  liberty,  and  continueth  thertm^ 
themselves.  Which  shew  the  he  being  not  a  forgetful  Ik 
work  of  the  law  written  in  but  a  doer  of  the  work,  this 
their  hearts,  their  conscience  man  shall  be  blessed  in  his  deed, 
also  bearing  witness,  and  their  James  ii.  8.  10,  11,  12.  If  ye 
thoughts  the  mean  while  accus-  fulfil  the  royal  law,  according 
ing,  or  else  excusing  one  ano-  to  the  scripture,  Thou  shalt 
ther.  Horn.  x.  5.  For  M<  sis  love  thy  neighlxoir  as  thyself, 
descrrbeth  the  righteousnesi  ye  do  well — For  wh(  s 
which  is  of  the  law  ;  That  the  shall  keep  the  while  law,  and 
man  which  doeth  those  things,  vet  offend  in  one  fioint,  he  is 
shall  live  by  them.  Rom.  v.  "guilty  of  all.  Rom.  hi.  19. 
12.  19.    Wherefore,  as  by  one   Now     we     knew    that    what 


92  The  Confession  of  Faith. 

first  commandments  containing  our  duty  towards 
God,  and  the  other  six  our  duty  to  man c. 

III.  Beside  this  law,  commonly  called  moral, 
God  was  pleased  to  give  to  the  people  of  Israel^ 
as  a  church  under  age,  ceremonial  laws,  contain- 
ing several  typical  ordinances,  partly  of  worship, 
prefiguring  Christ,  his  graces,  actions,  sufferings 
and  benefits  d  ;  and  partly  holding  forth  divers  in- 
structions of  moral  duties6.  All  which  cere- 
monial laws  are  now  abrogated  under  the  New 
Testament f. 

things  soever  the  law  saith,  it  very  image  of  the  things,  can 
saith  to  them  who  are  under  never  with  those  sacrifices, 
the  law.  Rom.  xiii.  8,  9. —  which  they  offered  year  by 
Deut  v.  32.  Ye  shall  observe  year  continually,  make  the 
to  do  therefore  as  the  Lord  comers  thereunto  perfect.  Gal. 
your  God  hath  commanded  iv.  1,  2,  3.  Now  I  say,  that 
you :  ye  shall  not  turn  aside  to  the  heir  as  long  as  he  is  a  child 
the  right  hand  or  to  the  left,  differeth  nothing  from  a  ser- 
and  chap.  x.  4.  And  he  wrote  vant,  though  he  be  lord  of  all : 
on  the  tables,  according  to  the  — But  is  under  tutors  and  go- 
first  writing,  the  ten  command-  vernors,  until  the  time  appoint- 
ments, which  the  Lord  spake  ed  of  the  father. — Even  so  we, 
unto  you  in  the  mount,  out  of  when  we  were  children,  were 
the  midst  of  the  fire,  in  the  in  bondage  under  the  elements 
day  of  the  assembly:  and  the  of  the  world;  Col.  ii.  17.  Which 
Lord  gave  them  unto  me.  Ex.  are  a  shadow  of  things  to 
xxxiv.  1.  come ;  but  the  body  is  of  Christ, 

c  Matt.   xxii.  37,  38,  39,  40.  Heb.  9th  chap. 
Jesus    said    unto    him,    Thou       e    1   Cor.  v.    7.    Purge    out 

shalt  love  the  Lord  thy  God  therefore  the  old  leaven,  that 

with  all  thy  heart,  and  with  ye  may  be  a  new  lump,  as  ye 

all  thy  sou!,  and  with  all  thy  are  unleavened  :  for  even  Christ 

mind.— This    is  the   first  and  our  passover  is   sacrificed  for 

great     commandment. And  us.     2  Cor.  vi.  17.    Wherefore 

the  second  is  like  unto  it,  Thou  come   out  from  among  them, 

shalt    love    thy    neighbour    as  and   be  ye  separate,  saith  the 

thyself. — On    these    two    com-  Lord,  and  touch  not  the  unclean 

rnandments,   hang  all  the  law  thing :  and  I  will  receive  you. 
and  the  prophets.     Ex.   xx.  3       f  Col.  ii.  14.  16,  17.    Blotting 

to  18.  out  the  hand- writing  of  ordi- 

III.    d  Heb,  x    1.     For  the  nances,   that   was   against   us, 

law  having  a  shadow  of  good  which  was  contrary  to  us,  and 

things  to  come,  and  not  the  took  it  out  of  the  way,  nailing 


The  Confession  of  Faith. 


93 


IV.  To  them  also,  as  a  body  politic,  he  gave 
sundry  judicial  laws,  which  expired  together  with 
the  state  of  that  people,  not  obliging  any  other, 
now,  further  than  the  general  equity  thereof  may 
require  s. 

V.  The  moral  law  doth  for  ever  bind  all,  as 
well  justified  persons  as  others,  to  the  obedience 
thereof*1 ;  and  that  not  only  in  regard  of  the  matter 
contained  in  it,  but  also  in  respect  of  the  autho- 
rity of  God  the  Creator  who  gave  it l  Neither 
doth  Christ  in  the  gospel  any  way  dissolve,  but 
much  strengthen,  this  obligation  k. 


it  to  his  cross.  Let  no  man 
therefore  judge  you  in  meat, 
or  in  drink. — Which  are  a 
shadow  of  things  to  come  ;  but 
the  body  is  of  Christ.  Eph.  ii. 
15,  16  Having  abolished  in 
his  flesh  the  enmity,  even  the 
law  of  commandments,  contain- 
ed in  ordinances,  for  to  make 
in  himself  of  twain,  one  new 
man,  so  making  peace ;  and 
thathe  might  reconcile  both  unto 
God  in  one  body,  by  the  cross, 
having  slain  the  enmity  there- 
by. 

IV.  e  See  Ex.  21st  chap,  and 
22d  chap.  1st  to  the  29th  verse. 
Gen  xlix.  10.  The  sceptre 
shall  not  depart  from  Judah, 
nor  a  lawgiver  from  between 
his  feet,  unto  Shiloh  come  ;  and 
unto  him  shall  the  gathering 
of  the  people  be.  Matt.  v.  38, 
39.  Ye  have  heard  that  it 
hath  been  said,  An  eye  for  an 
eye,  and  a  tooth  for  a  tooth  : 
but  I  say  unto  you,  that  ye  re- 
sist not  evil.  1  Cor.  ix  8,  9,  10. 

V.  h  Rom  xiii.  8,  9.  See 
above  in  letter  b.  1  John  ii 
3,  4.  7,  8.    And  hereby  do  we 


know,  that  we  know  him,  if 
we  keep  his  commandments. — 
He  that  saith,  I  know  him,  and 
keepeth  not  his  command- 
ments, is  a  liar,  and  the  truth 
is  not  in  him.  Brethren,  I 
write  no  new  commandment 
unto  you,  but  an  old  command- 
ment which  ye  had  from  the 
beginning.  Rom.  hi.  31.  and 
vi.  15.  Do  we  then  make  void 
the  law  through  faith  ?  God 
forbid :  yea,  we  establish  the 
law. — What  then  ?  shall  we 
sin,  because  we  are  not  under 
the  law  but  under  grace  ?  God 
forbid. 

'  Jam.  ii.  10,  11.  See  in  let- 
ter b. 

k  Matt.  v.  18.  For  verily  I 
say  unto  you,  Till  heaven  and 
earth  pass,  one  jot  or  one  tittle 
shall  in  no  wise  pass  from  the 
law,  till  all  be  fulfilled,  v.  19. 
Whosiever  therefore  shall 
break  one  of  these  least  com- 
mandments, and  shall  teach 
men  so,  he  shall  be  called  the 
least  in  the  kingdom  of  heaven : 
but  whosoever  shall  do,  and 
teach  tkem>  the  same  shall  be 


94 


The  Confession  of  Faith. 


VI.  Although  true  believers  be  not  under  the 
law  as  a  covenant  of  works,  to  be  thereby  justi- 
fied or  condemned ■ ;  yet  is  it  of  great  use  to  them, 
as  well  as  to  others  ;  in  that,  as  a  rule  of  life,  in- 
forming  them  of  the  will  of  God  and  their  duty, 
it  directs  and  binds  them  to  walk  accordingly  m ; 
discovering  also  the  sinful  pollutions  of  their  na- 
ture, hearts  and  lives n  ;  so  as,  examining  them- 
selves thereby,  they  may  come  to  further  convic- 
tion of,  humiliation.for,  and  hatred  against  sin  ° ; 
together  with  a  clearer  sight  of  the  need  they  have 
of  Christ,  and  the  perfection  of  his  obedience p. 
It  is  likewise  of  use  to  the  regenerate,  to  restrain 
their  corruptions ;  in  that  it  forbids  sin  q ;  and  the 


called  great  in  the  kingdom  of 
heaven.  Jam.  ii.  8.  Rom.  iii. 
31. 

VI.  l  Rom.  6.  14.  For  sin 
shall  not  have  dominion  over 
vgj:  for  ye  are  not  under  the 
law,  but  under  grace.  Rom. 
viii.  1.  There  is  therefore  now 
no  condemnation  to  them  which 
are  in  Christ  Jesus,  who  walk 
not  after  the  flesh,  but  after 
the  Spirit.  See  also  Gal.  iv.  4, 
5.  and  Acts  xiii.  39. 

m  Rom.  vii.  12.  22.  25. 
Wherefore  the  law  is  holy; 
and  the  commandment  is  holy, 
and  just  and  good.  Ps.  cxix.  5. 
O  that  my  ways  were  directed 
to  keep  thy  statutes !  1  Cor. 
vii.  19.  Circumcision  is  nothing, 
and  uncircumcision  is  nothing, 
but  the  keeping  of  the  com- 
mandments of  God.  Gal.  v. 
14.  18,  19,  20,  21,  22,  23. 

n  Rom.  vii.  7.  What  shall 
we  say  then  ?  is  the  law  sin  ? 
God  forbid.  Nay,  I  had  not 
known  sin  but  by  the  law,  for  I 
had  not  known  lust,  except  the 


law  had  said,  Thou  shalt  not 
covet.  Rom.  iii.  20. — For  by 
the  law  is  the  knowledge  of 
sin. 

°  Rom.  vii.  9.  14.  24.  For  I 
was  alive  without  the  law  once, 
but  when  the  commandment 
came,  sin  revived,  and  I  died. 
For  we  know  that  the  law  is 
spiritual:  but  I  am  carnal,  sold 
under  sin.  O  wretched  man 
that  I  am !  who  shall  deliver 
me  from  the  body  of  this  death  ? 

p  Gal.  iii.  24.  Wherefore 
the  law  was  our  schoolmaster, 
to  bring  us  unto  Christ,  that 
we  might  be  justified  by  faith. 
Rom.  viii.  3,  4.  For  what  the 
law  could  not  do,  in  that  it  was 
weak  through  the  flesh,  God 
sending  his  own  Son  in  the 
likeness  of  sinful  flesh,  and  for 
sin,  condemned  sin  in  the  flesh. 
That  the  righteousness  of  the 
law  might  be  fulfilled  in  us,  who 
walk  not  after  the  flesh,  but 
after  the  Spirit.  Rom.  vii.  24, 
25. 

9  Jam.  ii.  11.    For  he  that 


The  Confession  of  Faith.  95 

threatenings  of  it  serve  to  shew  what  even  their 
sins  deserve,  and  what  afflictions  in  this  life  they 
may  expect  for  them,  although  freed  from  the 
curse  thereof  threatened  in  the  law r.  The  pro- 
mises of  it,  in  like  manner,  shew  them  God's  ap- 
probation of  obedience,  and  what  blessings  they 
may  expect  upon  the  performance  thereof5;  al- 
though not  as  due  to  them  by  the  law  as  a  cove- 
nant of  works  * :  so  as  a  man's  doing  good,  and 
refraining  from  evil,  because  the  law  encourageth 
to  the  one,  and  deterreth  from  the  other,  is  no 
evidence  of  his  being  under  the  law,  and  not 
under  grace u. 

said,  Do  not  commit  adultery,  thy  servant  warned ;   and   in 

said  also,  Do  not  kill.     Now  if  keeping  of  them  there  is  great 

:hou  commit  no  adultery7,  yet  reward.  Lev.  xxvi.  to  the  14th 

f  thou  kill,  thou  art  become  a  verse,  and  Eph.  vi.  2.  Matt.  v.  5. 

:ransgressor   of  the   law.     Ps.  e  Gal.  ii.  16.     Knowing  that 

:xix.  128.   Therefore  I  esteem  a  man  is  not  justified  by  the 

ill  thy  precepts  concerning  all  works  of  the  law,   but  by  the 

'hings  to  be  right ;  and  I  hate  faith  of  Jesus  Christ,  even  we 

*very  false  way.  have  believed  in  Jesus  Christ, 

r  Ezra  ix.  13,  14.    And  after  that  we  might  be  justified  by 

ill  that  is  come  upon  us  for  our  the  faith  of  Christ,  and  not  by 

z\\\  deeds,  and  for  our  great  the  works  of  the  law:  for  by 

:respass,  seeing  that  thou  our  the  works  of  fhe  law  shall  no 

God,  hast  punished  us  less  than  flesh  be  justified, 

xir  iniquities  deserve,  and  hast  u  Rom.  vi.    12.  14.     Let  not 

*iven  us  such  deliverance  as  sin     therefore    reign    in    your 

his. — Should  we  again  break  mortal   body,  that  you  should 

Jiy   commandments,   and  join  obey  it  in  the  lusts  thereof. — 

n  affinity  with   the   people  of  For  sin  shall  not  have  dominion 

:hese  abominations  ?  Wouldest  over  you  ;  for  ye  are  not  under 

lot  thou  be  angry  with  us  till  the  law,  but  under  grace.  Heb. 

:hou    hadst    consumed    us,    so  xii.    28,    29.      Wherefore,    we 

:hat  there  should  be  no  remnant  receiving     a    kingdom    which 

nor  escaping?  Ps.  lxxxix.  30,  cannot  be  moved,  let  us  have 

51,  32,  33,  34.  grace,  whereby  we  may  scr\e 

*   Ps.   xxxvii.    11.     But    the  God    acceptably,    with'  n 

meek  shall  inherit  the  earth;   ence  and  godly  tear Tor  our 

ind  shall  delight  themselves  in  God    is    a    consuming   fire.     1 

:he  abundance   of  peace.     Ps.  Pet   iii.   8,  9,    10,  11,    12.     Ps 

rix.  11.    Moreover  by  them  is  .  13,  14,  15,  16 


96  The  Confession  of  Faith. 

VII.  Neither  are  the  aforementioned  uses  of 
the  law  contrary  to  the  grace  of  the  gospel,  but 
do  sweetly  comply  with  it w ;  the  Spirit  of  Christ 
subduing  and  enabling  the  will  of  man  to  do  that 
freely  and  cheerfully,  which  the  will  of  God,  re- 
vealed in  the  law,  requireth  to  be  done  x. 

VII.  w  Gal  iii.  21.  Is  the  tutes,  and  ye  shall  keep  my 
law  then  against  the  promises  judgments,  and  do  them.  Heb. 
of  God?  God  forbid:  for  if  viii.  10  For  this  is  the  cove- 
there  had  been  a  law  given  nant  that  I  will  make  with  the 
which  could  have  given  life,  house  of  Israel,  after  those 
verily  righteousness  should  have  days  saith  the  Lord,  I  will  put 
been  by  the  law.  Tit.  ii.  11,  my  laws  into  their  mind,  and 
12,  13,  14.  write  them  in  their  hearts ;  and 

x  Ez.  xxxvi.  27.  And  I  will  I  will  be  to  them  a  God,  and 
put  my  Spirit  within  you,  and  they  shall  be  to  me  a  people, 
cause  you  to  walk  in  my  sta-  Jer.  xxxi.  33. 


CHAPTER  XX. 

OF  CHRISTIAN  LIBERTY,  AND  LIBERTY 
OF  CONSCIENCE. 

THE  liberty  which  Christ  hath  purchased 
for  believers  under  the  gospel  consists  in 
their  freedom  from  the  guilt  of  sin,  the  condemn- 
ing wrath  of  God,  the  curse  of  the  moral  law a ; 
and  in  their  being  delivered  from  this  present 
evil  world,  bondage  to  Satan,  and  dominion  of  sin  b, 

I.   a  Tit  ii.  14.    Who  gave  hath    redeemed   us    from    the 

himself  for  us,  that  he  might  curse  of  the  law  :  being  made 

redeem   us  from   all   iniquity  :  a  curse  for  us  :  for  it  is  written, 

and  purify  unto  himself  a  pecu-  Cursed,  &c. 

liar  people,    zealous    of    good  b  Gal.  i.  4     Who  gave  him- 

works.     Gal.   iii.    13.     Christ  self  for  our  sins,  that  he  might 


The  Confession  of  Faith.  97 

from  the  evil  of  afflictions,  the  sting  of  death,  the 
victory  of  the  grave,  and  everlasting  damnation c ; 
as  also,  in  their  free  access  to  God  d,  and  their 
yielding  obedience  unto  him,  not  out  of  slavish 
fear,  but  a  child-like  love,  and  a  willing  minde. 
All  which  were  common  also  to  believers  under 
the  law1 ;  but  under  the  New  Testament,  the  li- 
berty of  Christians  is  further  enlarged  in  their 
freedom  from  the  yoke  of  the  ceremonial  law,  to 
which  the  Jewish  church  was  subjected  *  ;  and  in 
greater  boldness  of  access  to  the  throne  of  grace  h, 

deliver  us  from  this  present  fear ;  but  ye  have  received  the 
evil  world,  according  to  the  will  Spirit  of  adoption,  whereby  we 
of  God,  and  our  Father.  Acts  cry,  Abba,  Father.  1  John  iv. 
xxvi.  18.  To  open  their  eyes,  18.  There  is  no  fear  in  love  ; 
and  to  turn  them  from  dark-  but  perfect  love  casteth  out 
ness  to  light,  and  from  the  fear :  because  fear  hath  tor- 
power  of  Satan  unto  God,  that  ment :  He  that  feareth  is  not 
they  may  receive  forgiveness  made  pertect  in  love, 
of  sins,  and  inheritance  among  *  Gal.  iii.  9.  14.  So  then 
them  which  are  sanctified,  by  they  which  be  of  faith,  are 
faith  that  is  in  me.  Rom.  vi.  blessed  with  faithful  Abraham. 
14.  For  sin  shall  not  have  do-  — That  the  blessing  of  Abra- 
minion  over  you :  for  ye  are  ham  might  come  on  the  Gcn- 
not  under  the  law,  but  under  tiles  through  Jesus  Christ ; 
grace.  that  we  might  receive  the  pro- 

c   Ps.   cxix.   71.     It  is  good  mise  of  the  Spirit  through  faith, 

for  me,  that  I  have  been  afflict-  *  Gal.  v.  1.  Stand  fast  there* 

ed  :  that  I  might  learn  thy  sta-  fore    in  the   liberty  wherewith 

tutes.     1  Cor.  xv.  54,  55. — ver.  Christ  hath  made  us  free,  and 

56.    The  sting  of  death  is  sin ;  be  not    entangled    again    with 

and  the  strength  of  sin   is  the  the  yoke  of  bondage     Acts  xv 

law,  v.   57.     But  thanks  be  to  10,    11.     Now   therefore,    why 

God,  which  giveth  us  the  vie-  tempt  ye  God,  to  put  a  yoke 

tory   through   our    Lord  Jesus  upon  the  neck  of  the  disciples, 

Christ.     Rom.  viii.  1.  which  neither  our  fathers  nor 

d  Rom.  v.  2.     By  whom  also  we  are  able  to  bear?  Gal.  iv,  1# 

we  have  access  by  faith   into  2,  3.  6. 

this  grace  wherein  we  stand. —  b    Heb     iv.    14.    16.     Seeing 

e  Rom.  viii.  14,  15.     For  as  then  that  we  have  a  great  High 

many  as  are  led  by  the  Spirit  Priest,   that  is  passed  into  the 

of  God,   thty   are  the   sons  of  heavens,  Jesus  the  Son  of  God, 

God. — For  ye  have  not  received  let  us  hold  fast  our  profession, 

the  spirit  of  bondage  again  to  — Let  us  therefore  come  boldly 


98  The  Confession  of  Faith. 

and  in  fuller  communications  of  the  free  Spirit 
of  God,  than  believers  under  the  law  did  ordi- 
narily partake  of'. 

11.  God  alone  is  Lord  of  the  conscience  k,  and 
hath  left  it  free  from  the  doctrines  and  command- 
ments of  men  which  are  in  any  thing  contrary  to 
his  word,  or  beside  it,  in  matters  of  faith  or  wor- 
ship '.  So  that  to  believe  such  doctrines,  or  to 
obey  such  commandments  out  of  conscience,  is 
to  betray  true  liberty  of  conscience  m  ;  and  the  re- 
quiring of  an  implicit  faith,  and  an  absolute  and 

unto  the  throne  of  grace,  that  Peter  and  the  other   apostles 

-vve  may  obtain  mercy,  and  find  answered  and  said,  We  ought 

grace  to  help  in  time  of  need,  to  obey  God,  rather  than  men. 

Heb.  x.  19,  20.    Having  there-  1  Cor.  vii.  23.     Matt,  xxiii.  8, 

lore,  brethren,  boldness  to  en-  9,    10.     2    Cor.    i     24.     Matt. 

ter  into  the  holiest  by  the  blood  xv.  9. 

of  Jesus,  by  a  new  and  living  ■  Col.  ii.  20.  22,  23.  Where- 

way  which  he  hath  consecrated  fore,  if  ye  be  dead  with  Christ 

forus,  through  the  vail,  that  is  from     the    rudiments    of    the 

to  say,  his  flesh.  world  ;   why,  as  though  living 

*  John  vii.    38,  39.     He  that  in    the    world,    are     ye    sub- 

believeth  en  me,   as  the  scrip-  ject  to  ordinances,  Which   all 

ture  hath  said,  out  of  his  belly  are  to  perish  with   the  using, 

shall  how  rivers  of  living  water,  after  the  commandments,  and 

But  this  spake  he  of  the  Spi-  doctrines    of      men? — Which 

rit,  which  they  that  believe  on  things  have  indeed  a  shew  of 

him    should  receive ;    for   the  wisdom    in    will-worship,    and 

Holy  Ghost  was  not  yet  given,  humility,  and  neglecting  of  the 

because  that  Jesus  was  not  yet  body,  not  in  any  honour  to  the 

glorified.     2  Cor.  iii.  13.  IT,  18.  satisfying  of  the  flesh.  Gal.  i.  10. 

11.  k  Rom.  xiv.  4.     Who  art  For  do  1  now  persuade  men,  or 

thou  that  judgest  another  man's  God?  or  do  I  seek  to  please 

-servant  *  to  his  own  master  he  men  ?  for  if  I  yet  pleased  men, 

standeth    or  falleth.     Yea,   he  I  should  not  be  the  servant  of 

shall  be  holden  up;  for  God  is  Christ.     Gal.  ii.  4.     And  that 

able  to  make  him  stand.  because  of  false  brethren  una- 

1   Acts   iv.    19.     But    Peter  wares  brought   in,  who  came 

and    John  answered    and    said  in  privily  to  spy  out  our  liberty, 

unto  them,  Whether  it  be  right  which  we  have  in  Christ  Jesus, 

in  the  sight  of  God,  to  hearken  that  they  might  bring  us  into 

unto  you  more  than  unto  God,  bondage.    See  Gal.  v.  1. 
Judge  ye.    Acts  v.  29.    Then 


The  Confession  of  Faith.  99 

blind  obedience,  is  to  destroy  liberty    of  con- 
science, and  reason  also". 

III.  They  who,  upon  pretence  of  Christian  li- 
berty, do  practise  any  sin,  or  cherish  any  lust,  do 
thereby  destroy  the  end  of  Christian  liberty ; 
which  is,  that,  being  delivered  out  of  the  hands 
of  our  enemies,  we  might  serve  the  Lord  without 
fear,  in  holiness  and  righteousness  before  him,  all 
the  days  of  our  life  °. 

IV.  And  because  the  powers  which  God  hath 
ordained,  and  the  liberty  which  Christ  hath  pur- 
chased,  are  not  intended  by  God  to  destroy,  but 
mutually  to  uphold  and  preserve  one  another ; 
they  who,  upon  pretence  of  Christian  liberty,  shall 
oppose  any  lawful  power,  or  the  lawful  exercise 
of  it,  whether  it  be  civil  or  ecclesiastical,  resist 
the  ordinance  of  God  p.  And  for  their  publishing 

n  Is.   viii.    20.    To  the  law  vants  of  God.    Luke  i.  74,  75. 

and  to  the  testimony  :  if  they  That  he  would  grant   unto  us, 

speak    not    according    to   this  that  we,  being  delivered  out  cf 

word,  it  is  because  there  is  no  the  hands  of  our  enemies,  might 

light  in   them.     Acts  xvii.  11.  serve    him    without    tear, — in 

These   were   more   noble  than  holiness  and  righteousness  be- 

those  in  Thessalonica,  in  that  fore  him,  all  the  days  of  our 

they  received  the   word  with  life.     2  Pet  ii.    19.    John  viii. 

all    readiness    of    mind,     and  34. 

searched  the  scriptures  daily,  IV.   ?  1   Pet.  ii.    13,    14.  16. 

whether  those  things  were  so.  Submit  yourselves  to  every  or- 

John  iv.    22.     Ye    worship    ye  dinance  of  man  for  the  Lord's 

know  not  what :  we  know  what  sake  :   Whether  it  be   to  the 

we  worship  ;  for  salvation  is  of  king,    as    supreme; — or    unto 

the  Jews.     See  also  Hos.  v.  11.  governors,  as  unto   them   that 

with  Rev.  xiii.  12.  16,  17.  are  sent  by  him  for  the  punish  - 

III.  °  Gal.  v.  13.  For,  bre-  ment  of  evil  doers,  and  for  the 
thren,  ye  have  been  called  unto  praise  of  them  that  do  well. — 
liberty  ;  only  use  not  liberty  As  tree,  and  m  t  using  your  li- 
for  an  occasion  to  the  flesh,  but  berty  for  a  cloke  of  malicious- 
ly love  serve  one  an  otlur.  1  Pet.  ness,  but  as  the  servants  of 
ii.  16.  As  free,  and  not  usint;  G<k1  Heb.  xiii.  17.  Obey  them 
your  liberty  for  a  clcke  of  that  have  the  rule 
•maliciousness,  but  as  the  ser-  and    submit     youiv. 


100 


The  Confession  of  Faith. 


of  such  opinions,  or  maintaining  of  such  practi- 
ces, as  are  contrary  to  the  light  of  nature,  or  to 
the  known  principles  of  Christianity,  whether 
concerning  faith,  worship  or  conversation ;  or  to 
the  power  of  godliness ;  or  such  erroneous  opi- 
nions or  practices,  as,  either  in  their  own  nature, 
or  in  the  manner  of  publishing  or  maintaining 
them,  are  destructive  to  the  external  peace  and  or- 
der which  Christ  hath  established  in  the  church q ; 
they  may  lawfully  be  called  to  account,  and  pro- 
ceeded against  by  the  censures  of  the  church  r. 


they  watch  for  your  souls,  as 
they  that  must  give  account: 
that  they  may  do  it  with  joy, 
and  not  with  grief:  for  that  is 
unprofitable  for  you.  See  also 
Rom.  xiii.  1.  to  the  8th  verse. 

*  Rom.  i.  32.  Who  knowing 
the  judgment  of  God,  that 
they  which  commit  such  things 
are  worthy  of  death  ;  not  only 
do  the  same,  but  have  pleasure 
in  them  that  do  them.  1  Cor. 
v.  1.  5.  11.  13.  It  is  reported 
commonly  that  there  is  fornica- 
tion among  you,  and  such  for- 
nication as  is  not  so  much  as 
named  amongst  the  Gentiles, 
that  one  should  have  his  father's 
wife. — To  deliver  such  an  one 
unto  Satan  for  the  destruction 
of  the  flesh,  that  the  spirit  may 


be  saved  in  the  day  of  our 
Lord  Jesus. — But  now  I  have 
written  unto  you,  not  to  keep 
company,  if  any  man  that  is 
called  a  brother,  be  a  fornica- 
tor, or  covetous,  or  an  idolater, 
or  a  railer,  or  a  drunkard,  or 
an  extortioner,  with  such  an 
one,  no  not  to  eat — But  them 
that  are  without  God  judgeth. 
Therefore  put  away  from 
among  yourselves  that  wicked 
person. 

'  2  Thess.  Hi.  14.  And  if 
any  man  obey  not  our  word  by 
this  epistle,  note  that  man,  and 
have  no  company  with  him, 
that  he  may  be  ashamed.  Tit. 
iii.  10.  A  man  that  is  an  here- 
tick,  after  the  first  and  secontl 
admonition,  reject- 


The  Confession  of  Faith.  101 

CHAPTER  XXL 

OF  RELIGIOUS  WORSHIP,  AND  THE  SABBATH-DAY, 

TH  E  light  of  nature  shevveth  that  there  is  a 
God,  who  hath  lordship  and  sovereignty 
over  all ;  is  good,  and  doeth  good  unto  all ;  and  is 
therefore  to  be  feared,  loved,  praised,  called  upon, 
trusted  in,  and  served  with  all  the  heart,  and  with 
all  the  soul,  and  with  all  the  might  \  But  the  ac- 
ceptable way  of  worshipping  the  true  God  is  in- 
stituted by  himself,  and  so  limited  by  his  own  re- 
vealed will,  that  he  may  not  be  worshipped  accord- 
ing to  the  imaginations  and  devices  of  men,  or  the 
suggestions  of  Satan,  under  any  visible  represen- 
tation or  any  other  way  not  prescribed  in  the  holy 
scripture  b. 

I.  a  Rom.  i.  20.     For  the  in-  8.   Josh.    xxiv.   14.     Mark  xii, 

visible  things  of  him  from  the  38. 

creation  of  the  world  are  clear-        b  Deut.  xii.  32.    What  thing 
\y   seen,    being    understood   by  soever  I  command  you,  observe 
the  things  that  are  made,  even  to  do  it :  thou   shait   not  add 
his  eternal  power  and  godhead  ;  thereto,     nor     diminish     from 
so  that  they  are  without  ex-  it.     Matt   xv.  9.    But  in  vain 
cuse.     Ps.  cxix.  68.     Thou  art  do    they    worship    me,    teach- 
good,   and    doest   good ;   teach  ing  for     doctrines    the    com- 
me  thy  statutes  Jer.  x.  7.  Who  mandments  of  men.     Matt     i 
would  not  fear  thee,  O  King  of  9,    10.     And    saith    unto  him, 
nations?  tor  to  thee  doth  it  ap-  All  these  things  will  I  give  thee, 
pertain  ;   forasmuch  as  among  if     thou    wilt    fall    down    and 
all  the  wise  men  of  the  worship  me. —  i 
and  in  all  their  kingdoms  (here  unto     him,     Get    thee     hence 
is  none  like  unto  thee.     Ps.  i.  Satan:  n  r  it  is  written,  Thou 
23.     ()  love   the    Lord,   all    ye  shalt    worship  |     thy 
his  saints,  for  the  Lord  preserv-  «.<xl,  and  him  oitfv  shalt  thou 
cth  the  faithful,  and  plentifully  serve.     See  also   Dent.   I 
rewardeth  the  proud  d<vr.   V>.  the   20th      I 
xviii.  3.    Rom.  x.  12.    Ps.  Ixii.  4,  5,  6. 

1  2 


102 


The  Confession  of  Faith. 


II.  Religious  worship  is  to  be  given  to  GocL 
the  Father,  Son  and  Holy  Ghost;  and  to  him 
alone c :  not  to  angels,  saints  or  any  other  crea- 
ture d :  and  since  the  fall,  not  without  a  Mediator; 
nor  in  the  mediation  of  any  other  but  of  Christ 
alone e. 

III.  Prayer  with  thanksgiving,  being  one  special 
part  of  religious  worship  f,  is  by  God  required 
of  all  men  g ;  and  that  it  may  be  accepted,  it  is 
to  be  made  in  the  name  of  the  Son  h,  by  the  help 
of  his  Spirit1,  according  to  his  will k,  with  under- 


II.  c  John  v.  23.  That  all 
men  should  honour  the  Son, 
even  as  they  honour  the  Father. 
He  that  honoureth  not  the 
Son,  honoureth  not  the  Father 
which  hath  sent  him.  2  Cor. 
xiii.  14.  The  grace  of  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  the 
love  of  God,  and  the  commu- 
nion of  the  Holy  Ghost  be  with 
you  all.  Amen.  Matt.  iv.  10. 
Re*',  v.  11,  12,  13. 

i]  Col.  ii.  18.  Let  no  man 
beguile  you  of  your  reward, 
in  a  voluntary  humility,  and 
worshipping  of  angels.  Rev. 
xix.  10.  And  I  fell  at  his  feet 
to  worship  him.  And  he  said 
unto  me,  See  thou  do  it  not;  1 
am  thy  fellow-servant,  and  of 
thy  brethren  that  have  the 
testimony  of  Jesus ;  worship 
God.  Rom.  i.  25.  Who  chang- 
ed the  truth  of  God  into  a  lie, 
and  worshipped  and  served 
the  creature  more  than  the 
Creator,  who  is  blessed  for 
ever.     Amen. 

e  John  xiv.  6.  Jesus  saith 
■?nto  him,  I  am  the  way,  and 
the  truth,  and  the  life :  no 
man  cometh  unto  the  Father, 
but  by  m^.     1  Tim.  ii.  5.     For 


there  is  one  God,  and  one  Me- 
diator between  God  and  man, 
the  man  Christ  Jesus.  Eph.  ii. 
18.  For  through  him  we  both 
have  access  by  one  Spirit  unto 
the  Father. 

III.  ■  Phil.  iv.  6.  Be  careful 
for  nothing;  but  in  every  thing 
by  prayer  and  supplication  with 
thanksgiving,  let  your  requests 
be  made  known  unto  God. 

e  Ps.  lxv.  2.  O  thou  that 
nearest  prayer,  unto  thee  shall 
all  flesh  come. 

h  John  xiv  13  ,14.  And  what- 
soe\er  ye  shall  ask  in  my  name, 
that  will  I  do,  that  the  Father 
may  be  glorified  in  the  Son  — 
If  ye  shall  ask  any  thing  in  my 
name,  I  will  do  />. 

*  Rom.  viii.  26.  Likewise 
the  Spirit  also  helpeth  our  in- 
firmities, for  we  know  not 
what  we  should  pray  for  as  we 
ought;  but  the  Spirit  itself 
maketh  intercession  for  us, 
with  groanings  which  cannot 
be  uttered. 

k  1  John  v.  14.  And  this 
is  the  confidence  that  we  have 
in  him,  that  if  we  ask  any  thing 
according  to  his  will,  he  hear- 
eth  us- 


The  Confession  of  Faith. 


103 

faith, 
in   a 


standing,  reverence,  humility,  fervency, 
love  and  perseverance ' ;  and,  if  vocal, 
known  tongue  m. 

IV.  Prayer  is  to  be  made  for  things  lawful n, 
and  for  all  sorts  of  men  living,  or  that  shall  live 
hereafter  ° ;  but  not  for  the  dead  p,  nor  for  those  of 
whom  it  may  be  known  that  they  have  sinned  the 
sin  unto  death  *• 

V.  The  reading  of  the  scriptures  with  godly  fear r; 


1  Ps.  xlvii.  7.  For  God  is  the 
King  of  all  the  earth :  sing 
ye  praises  with  understanding. 
Heb  xii.  28.  Let  us  have  grace 
whereby  we  may  serve  God 
acceptably  with  reverence  and 
godly  fear.  Gen.  xviii.  27. — I 
have  taken  upon  me  to  speak 
unto  the  Lord,  which  am  but 
dust  and  ashes.  Jam.  v.  16. — 
The  effectual  fervent  prayer  of 
a  righteous  man  availeth  much. 
Eph.  vi.  18.  Praying  always 
with  all  prayer  and  supplica- 
tion in  the  Spirit,  and  watching 
thereunto  with  all  persever- 
ance and  supplication  for  all 
saints.  See  also  Jam.  i.  6,  7. 
t  xi.  24.  Matt  vi.  12.  14, 
15.     Col.  iv.  2. 

ra  1  Cor.  xiv.  14.  For  if  I 
pray  in  an  unknown  tongue, 
my  spirit  prayeth,  but  my  un- 
.  ruling  is  unfruitful. 

IV.    n    1  John   v.    14.      And 

this  is  the  confidence  that  we 

have  in    him,   that   it  we   ask 

any  thing  according  to  his  will, 

h  us. 

■  1  Tim  ii.  1,  2.  I  exhort 
tore  that  first  of  all,  sup- 
plica  lions,  prayers  interces- 
sions, una  giving  of  thanks,  be 
made  for  all  men: — For  kings 
ror  all  that  arc  in  autho- 


rity :  that  we  may  lead  a  quiet 
and  peaceable  life  in  all  godli- 
ness and  honesty. 

p  2  Sam.  xii.  21,  22,  23.  Then 
said  his  servants  unto  him, 
What  thing  is  this  that  thcu 
hast  done  ?  Thou  didst  fast  and 
weep  for  the  child  while  it  was 
alive ;  but  when  the  child  was 
dead,  thou  didst  arise  and  eat 
bread. — And  he  said,  While 
the  child  was  yet  alive,  1  fasted 
and  wept :  for  I  said,  Who  can 
tell  whether  God  will  be  gra- 
cious to  nje,  that  the  child  may 
live  ?  But  now  he  is  dead, 
wherefore  should  I  fast  ?  can  I 
bring  him  back  again?  I  shall 
go  to  him,  but  he  shall  not  re- 
turn to  me.  Luke  xvi.  25,  26. 
and  Rev   xiv.  13. 

9  1  John  v.  16.  If  any  man 
see  his  brother  sin  a  sin  which 
is  not  unto  death,  he  shall  ask, 
and  he  shall  give  him  life  for 
them  that  sin  not  unto  death. 
There  is  a  sin  unto  death  ;  I  do 
not  say  that  he  shall  prav  for  it. 

V.  r*  Acts  xv.  21.  For  Moses 
of  old  time  hath  in  every  city 
them  that  preach  him,  being 
read  in  the  synagogues  every 
sabbath-day.  Rev  i  3  B 
led  if  he  that  readeth,and  they 
that  hear  the  words  of  tfeifl 


104 


The  Confession  of  Faith. 


the  sound  preaching8,  and  conscionable  hearing 
of  the  word,  in  obedience  unto  God,  with  un- 
derstanding, faith  and  reverence l ;  singing  of 
psalms  with  grace  in  the  heart u ;  as  also,  the 
due  administration  and  worthy  receiving  of  the 
sacraments  instituted  by  Christ ;  are  all  parts  of 
the  ordinary  religious  worship  of  God  w  :  besides 
religious  oaths  *  and  vows  y,  solemn  fastings  z,  and 


prophecy,  and  keep  those 
things  which  are  written  there- 
in ;  for  the  time  is  at  hand. 

*  2  Tim.  iv.  2  Preach  the 
word ;  be  instant  in  season, 
out  of  season  ;  reprove,  rebuke, 
exhort,  with  all  long-suffering, 
and  doctrine 

c  Jam.  i.  22.  But  be  ye  doers 
of  the  word,  and  not  hearers 
only,  deceiving  your  own  selves. 
Acts  x.  33.  Immediately  there- 
fore I  sent  to  thee ;  and  thou 
hast  well  done  that  thou  art 
come.  Now  therefore  are  we 
all  here  present  before  God,  to 
hear  all  things  that  are  com- 
manded thee  of  God.  Heb.  iv. 
2.  For  unto  us  was  the  gospel 
preached,  as  well  as  unto 
them  :  but  the  word  preached 
did  not  profit  them,  not  being 
mixed  with  faith  in  them  that 
heard  it.  Matt.  xiii.  19.  Is. 
ixvi.  2. 

u  Col.  iii.  16.  Let  the  word 
of  Christ  dwell  in  you  richly  in 
all  wisdom ;  teaching  and  ad- 
monishing one  another  in 
psalms,  and  hymns,  and  spiri- 
tual songs ;  singing  with  grace 
in  your  hearts  to  the  Lord. 
Eph.  v.  *2.     Jam.  v.  13. 

w  Matt,  xxviii.  19.  Go  ye 
there  fere  and  teach  all  nations, 
baptizing  them  in  the  name  of 
the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and 


of  the  Holy  Ghost.  Acts  ii.  42. 
And  they  continued  stetifastly 
in  the  apostles'  doctrine  and 
fellowship,  and  in  breaking  of 
bread,  and  in  prayers.  1  Cor. 
xi.  23.  to  verse  29. 

*  Deut.  vi.  13.  Thou  shalt 
fear  the  Lord  thy  God,  and 
serve  him,  and  shalt  swear  by 
his  name. 

>'  Ec.  v.  4.  When  thou  vowest 
a  vow  unto  God,  defer  not  to 
pay  it,  for  he  hath  no  pleasure 
in  fools  ;  pay  that  which  thou 
hast  vowed.  Ver.  5.  Better  is 
it  that  thou  shouldest  notyvow, 
than  that  thou  shouldest  vow, 
and  not  pay      Acts  xviii.  18. 

2  Joel  ii.  12.  Therefore  also 
now.  saith  the  Lord,  Turn  ye 
even  to  me  with  all  your 
heart,  and  with  fasting,  and 
with  weeping,  and  with  mourn- 
ing. Matt.  ix.  15.  Can  •  the 
children  of  the  bride-chamber 
mourn,  as  long  as  the  bride- 
groom is  with  them?  But  the 
days  will  come  when  the  bride- 
groom shall  be  taken  from  them, 
and  then  shall  they  fast.  1  Cor. 
vii.  5.  Defraud  ye  not  one  the 
other,  except  it  be  with  consent 
for  a  time,  that  ye  may  give 
yourselves  to  fasting  and  pray- 
er :  and  come  together  again, 
that  Satan  tempt  you  not  for 
your  incontinency. 


The  Confession  of  Faith.  105 

tlianksgivings  upon  special  occasions  ■ ;  which  are, 
in  their  several  times  and  seasons,  to  be  used  in 
an  holy  and  religious  manner  b. 

VI.  Neither  prayer  nor  any  other  part  of  reli- 
gious worship,  is  now,  under  the  gospel,  either 
tied  unto,  or  made  more  acceptable  by  any  place 
in  which  it  is  performed,  or  towards  which  it  is 
directed c :  but  God  is  to  be  worshipped  every 
where d  in  spirit  and  in  truth e ;  as  in  private  fami- 
lies f  daily5,  and  in  secret  each  one  by  himself h, 

1  Ps.  cvii.  throughout.  worship  him  in  spirit  and  in 

b  Heb.  xii.  28.  Wherefore  truth, 
we  receiving  a  kingdom  which  '  Jer.  x.  25.  Pour  out  thy 
cannot  be  moved,  let  us  have  fury  upon  the  heathen  that 
grace,  whereby  we  may  serve  know  thee  not,  and  upon  the 
God  acceptably  with  reverence  families  that  call  not  on  thy 
and  godly  fear.  name.    Job.   i.  5.    And  it  was 

VI.  e  John  iv.  21.  Jesus  saith  so,  when  the  days  of  their  feast- 
unto  her,  Woman  believe  me,  ing  were  gone  about,  that  Job 
the  hour  cometh  when  ye  shall  sent  and  sanctified  them,  and 
neither  in  this  mountain,  nor  rose  up  early  in  the  morning, 
yet  at  Jerusalem,  worship  the  and  offered  up  burnt-offerings 
Father.  according    to    the   number   of 

d  Mai.  i.  11.  From  the  rising  them  all:  for  Job  said,  It  may 
of  the  sun  even  to  the  going  be  that  my  sons  have  sinned 
down  of  the  same  my  name  and  cursed  God  in  their  hearts, 
shall  be  great  among  the  Gen-  Thus  did  Job  continually.  2 
tiles ;  and  in  every  place  in-  Sam.  vi.  18.  And  as  soon  as 
cense  shall  be  offered  unto  my  David  had  made  an  end  of 
name,  and  a  pure  offering:  for  offering  burnt-offerings  and 
my  name  shall  be  great  among  peace-offerings,  he  blessed  the 
the  heathen,  saith  the  Lord  of  people  in  the  name  of  the  Lord 
hosts.  1  Tim.  ii.  8.  I  will  of  hosts.  Ver.  20.  Then  David 
therefore  that  men  pray  every  returned  to  bless  his  house- 
where,  lifting  up  holy  hands  hold, 
without  wrath  and  doubting.  I  Matt.  vi.   11.     Give  us  this 

■  J  tin    iv.  23,  24.     But  the   davourdailv  bread.  J.s.  xxiv.  15. 
hour     cometh,     and     now-  is,        *>  Matt.  \i.  6.   But  thou  when 
when     the     true    worshippers  thou    pravest,    enter    int< 
shall    worship    the    Father    in    closet,  and  when  thou  ha «•• 
spirit  and  in  truth :  for  the  Fa-    thy  dorr,  pray  to  thy   * 
ther  seeketh  such  to   worship   which  is  in  secret,  and  th] 
him. — God    is    a    Spirit,    and   ther  which  teeth  in  secret  shall 
♦.hey   that  worship  him,   must  rewarJ  ihee  openly.  Eph.  1 


106  The  Confession  of  Faith. 

so  more  solemnly  in  the  public  assemblies,  which 
are  not  carelessly  or  wilfully  to  be  neglected  or 
forsaken,  when  God,  by  his  word  or  providence, 
calleth  thereunto  \ 

VII.  As  it  is  of  the  law  of  nature,  that,  in  ge- 
neral, a  due  proportion  of  time  be  set  apart  for 
the  worship  of  God  ;  so,  in  his  word,  by  a  positive, 
moral  and  perpetual  commandment,  binding  all 
men  in  all  ages,  he  hath  particularly  appointed 
one  day  in  seven  for  a  sabbath,  to  be  kept  holy 
unto  him k  :  which,  from  the  beginning  of  the 
world  to  the  resurrection  of  Christ,  was  the  last 
day  of  the  week  ;  and,  from  the  resurrection  of 
Christ,  was  changed  into  the  first  day  of  the 
week1,  which  in  scripture  is  called  the  Lord'sdaym, 

*  Is.  lvi.  7. — Mine  house  shall  that  please  me,  and  take  hold 

be  called  an  house  of  prayer  of  my  covenant.     Is.  lvi  6. 

for  all  people.    Heb.  x.  25.  Not  l  Gen.  ii.  3.    And  God  bless- 

forsaking     the    assembling    of  ed  the  seventh  day  and  sancti- 

ourselves  together,  as  the  man-  fied  it :   because  that  in  it  he 

ner  of  some  is  ;  but  exhorting  had  rested  from  all  his  work, 

one  another :  and  so  much  the  whieh  God  created  and  made* 

more  as  ye  see  the    day  ap-  1   Cor.   xvi.   1,    2.    Now  con- 

proaching.  Prov.  viii.  34.  Bless-  cerning  the  collection  for  the 

ed  is  the  man  that  heareth  me,  saints,  as  I  have  given  order 

watching   daily  at    my  Jjates,  to   the    churches   of    Galatia, 

waiting    at    the   posts   ot    my  even  so  do  ye. — Upon  the  first 

doors     Acts  ii.  42.     And  they  day  of  the  week,  let  every  one 

continued     stedfastly    in     the  of  you  lay  by  him  in  store,  as 

apostles'    doctrine  and  fellow-  God  hath  prospered  him,  that 

ship,  and  in  breaking  of  bread,  there  be  no  gatherings  when  I 

and  in  prayers.  come.     Acts  xx.  7.     And  upon 

VII.  k  See  the  4th  command-  the  first  day  of  the  week,  when 

ment  in   Ex.  xx.  8,  9,  10,  11.  the  disciples  came  together  to 

Is.    lvi.    2.    4.     Blessed  is    the  break    bread,    Paul    preached 

man   that  doeth  this,   and  the  unto  them,  ready  to  depart  on 

son  of  man  that  layeth  hold  on  the  morrow,  and  continued  his 

it :   that  keepeth   the  sabbath  speech  until  midnight, 

from  polluting  it,  and  keepeth  ■  Rev.  i.   10.     T  was  in  the 

his  hand  from  doing  any  evil.  Spirit  on  the  Lord's  day  ;  and 

For  thus  saith  the  Lord  unto  heard  behind  me  a  great  voice, 

the  Eunuchs  that  keep  my  sab-  as  of  a  trumpet, 
baths,   a»d  choose  the  things 


The  Coirjkssion  of  Faith.  107 

and  is  to  be  continued  to  the  end  of  the  world,  as 
the  Christian  sabbath  n. 

VIII.  This  sabbath  is  then  kept  holy  unto  the 
Lord,  when  men,  after  a  due  preparing  of  their 
hearts,  and  ordering  of  their  common  affairs  be- 
fore-hand,  do  not  only  observe  an  holy  rest  all 
the  day  from  their  own  works,  words,  and 
thoughts,  about  their  worldly  employments  and 
recreations  ° ;  but  also  are  taken  up  the  whole 
time  in  the  public  and  private  exercises  of  his  wor- 
ship, and  in  the  duties  of  necessity  and  mercy  p. 

n  Ex.  xx.  8.  10.     (See  letter  on  the  sixth  clay,  the  bread  of 

k.)     Matt.    v.    17,    18.     Think  two  days  :  Abide  ye  every  man 

not  that  I  am  come  to  destroy  in  his  place,  let  no  man  go  out 

the  law  or  the  prophets :  I  am  of  his    place    on    the  seventh 

not  come  to  destroy,  but  to  ful-  day. — So  the  people  rested  on 

fil. — For  verily  I  say  unto  you,  the    seventh    day.     Ex.    xxxi. 

Till  heaven    and    earth    pass,  15,  16,    Six  days  may  work  be 

one  jot  or  one  tittle  shall  in  no  done  ;  but  in  the  seventh  is  the 

wise  pass  from  the  law  till  all  sabbath   of   rest,    holy   to    the 

be  fulfilled.  Lord  ;    whosoever    doeth    any 

VIII.    °  Ex.  xvi.  23.  25,  26.  work  in   the   sabbath   day,   he 

29,  30.  And  he  said  unto  them,  shall   surely   be   put  to  death. 

This  is  that  which  the   Lord  Wherefore     the     children    of 

hath  said,  To-morrow  is    the  Israel  shall  keep  the  sabbath, 

rest  of  the  holy  sabbath  unto  to  observe  the  sabbath  through- 

the    Lord:    bake    that    which  out    their    generations,  for  a 

you  will  bake  to- day,  and  seethe  perpetual   covenant.     Is.    lviii. 

that  ye  will  seethe;   and  that  13.     Neh.  xiii.  15,    16,  17,  18, 

which  remaineth  over,  lay  up  19.  21,  22. 
for    you   to   be   kept  until   the        p  Is.  lviii.  13.     If  thou   turn 

ng. — And     Moses     said,  away  thy  foot  from  the  sabbath, 

Eat  that  to-day  ;  for  to-day  is  a  from  doing  thy  pleasure  on  my 

til  unto  the  Lord;  to-day  holy  day,  and  call  the  sal)batfi 

til  not  find  it  in  the  field,  a  delight,  the  holy  of  the  Lord, 

— Six  days  ye  shall  gather  it,  honourable;  and'shalt  honour 

but  on  the  seventh  day  wfiich  him,  not  doing  thine  own  ways, 

is  the  sabbath,    in  it  there  shall  nor  finding  thine  own  pleasure, 

be    none. — S  that    the  nor  speaking  th  words. 

the  sab-  Matt.  xii.  1.  to  the  13th  verse, 
bath,  therefore  he  giveth  j 


108  The  Confession  of  Faith. 

CHAPTER  XXII. 

OF  LAWFUL  OATHS  AND  VOWS. 

A  LAWFUL  oath  is  a  part  of  religious  wor- 
ship %  wherein  upon  just  occasion,  the 
person  swearing,  solemnly  calleth  God  to  witness 
what  he  asserteth  or  promiseth;  and  to  judge  him 
according  to  the  truth  or  falsehood  of  what  he 
sweareth b. 

II.  The  name  of  God  only  is  that  by  which 
men  ought  to  swear,  and  therein  it  is  to  be  used 
with  all  holy  fear  and  reverence c :  therefore  to 
swear  vainly  or  rashly  by  that  glorious  and  dread- 
ful name,  or  to  swear  at  all  by  any  other  thing, 
is  sinful,  and  to  be  abhorred d.  Yet  as,  in  mat- 
ters of  weight  and  moment,  an  oath  is  warranted 
by  the  word  of  God  under  the  New  Testament, 

I.  a  Deut.  x.  20.  Thou  shalt  shalt  fear  the  Lord  thy  God, 
fear  the  Lord  thy  God,  him  and  serve  him,  and  shalt  swear 
shalt  thou  serve,    and   to  him   by  his  name. 

shalt  thou  cleave,  and  swear       d  Jer.  v.  7.    How  shall  I  par- 
by  his  name.  don  thee  for   this  ?   thy   chil- 

b  Ex.  xx.  7.  Thou  shalt  not  dren  have  forsaken  me,  and 
take  the  name  of  the  Lord  thy  sworn  by  them  that  are  no  Gods: 
God  in  vain  ;  for  the  Lord  will  when  I  fed  them  to  the  full, 
not  hold  him  guiltless  that  then  they  committed  adultery, 
taketh  his  name  in  vain.  Lev.  and  assembled  themselves  by 
xix.  12.  And  ye  shall  not  troops  in  the  harlots'  houses, 
swear  by  my  name  falsely,  nei-  Jam.  v.  12.  But  above  all 
ther  shalt  thou  profane  the  things,  my  brethren,  swear  not, 
name  of  thy  God:  I  am  the  neither  by  heaven,  neither  by 
Lord.  2  Cof.  i.  23.  Moreover,  the  earth,  neither  by  any 
I  call  God  for  a  record  upon  other  oath  :  but  let  your  yea, 
my  soul,  that  to  spare  you,  I  be  yea,  and  your  nay,  nay ; 
came  not  as  yet  unto  Corinth,  lest  ye  fall  into  condemnation. 
See  also  2  Chr.  vi.  22,  23.  See  the  3rd  commandment  in 

II.  c  Deut   vi.    13.     Thou  Ex.  xx.  7. 


The  Confession  of  Faith. 


109 


as  well  as  under  the  Old  e,  so  a  lawful  oath,  being 
imposed  by  lawful  authority,  in  such  matters  ought 
to  be  taken f. 

111.  Whosoever  taketh  an  oath  ought  duly  to 
consider  the  weightiness  of  so  solemn  an  act,  and 
therein  to  avouch  nothing  but  what  he  is  fully 
persuaded  is  the  truth  *.  Neither  may  any  man 
bind  himself  by  oath  to  any  thing  but  what  is  good 
and  just,  and  what  he  believeth  so  to  be,  and  what 
he  is  able  and  resolved  to  perform  h.  Yet  it  is  a 
sin  to  refuse  an  oath  touching  any  thing  that  is 
good  and  just,  being  imposed  by  lawful  autho- 
rity l. 


e  Heb.  vi.  16.  For  men  ve- 
rily swear  by  the  greater :  and 
an  oath  for  confirmation  is  to 
them  an  end  of  ail  strife.  Is. 
lxv.  16.  *  • 

f  1  Kings  viii.  31.  If  any 
man  trespass  against  his  neigh- 
bour, and  an  oath  be  laid  upon 
him  to  cause  him  to  swear, 
and  the  oath  ccme  before  thine 
altar  in  this  house.  Ezra  x. 
5.  Then  arose  Ezra,  and  made 
the  chief  priests,  the  Levitts, 
and  all  Israel  to  swear,  that 
they  should  do  according  to 
this  word  ;  and  they  sware. 

III.  i  Jer.  iv.  2.  And  thou 
shalt  swear  ;  The  Lord  liveth, 
in  truth,  in  judgment,  and  in 
righteousness ;  and  the  nations 
shall  bless  themselves  in  him, 
and  in  him  shall  they  glory. 
See  also  Ex.  xx.  7. 

h  Gen  xxiv.  2,  3.  9.  And 
Abraham  said  unto  his  eldest 
servant  of  his  house,  that  ruled 
over  all  that  he  had,  Put,  I 
thee,  thy  hand  under  my 
thigh  : — And  1  will  make  thee 
swear  by   the   Lord,  the  Gcd 


of  heaven,  and  the  Gcd  of 
die  earth,  that  thou  shalt  not 
take  a  wife  unto  my  son,  of  the 
daughters  of  the  Canaan ites 
amongst  whom  I  dwell. — And 
the  servant  put  his  hand  under 
the  thigh  of  Abraham  his  mas- 
ter, and  ftware  to  him  concern- 
ing that  matter. 

1  Num.  v.  19.  21.  And  the 
priest  shall  charge  her  by  an 
oath,  and  say  unto  the  woman, 
If  no  man  hath  lien  with  thee, 
and  if  thou  hast  not  gone  aside 
to  un cleanness  with  urv. 
instead  of  thy  husband,  be 
free  from  this  hitter  water 
that  causcth  the  curse. — Then 
the    priest    shall    chaigi-    the 

an  with  an  oath 
and   the   priest  shall 
the   woman,    The    Lord    make 
thee    a    curse,     and    an 
among   thy   people,    when  the, 
L<Td   doth  make  thy  thiph  to* 
rot  and  thy  belly  to  swell.  Neh, 
Then  1  called  the  priests, 
and    t(  ok    an    oath    ot    them, 
that  they  should  do  according 
to  this  purp 

K. 


110  The  Confession  of  Faith. 

IV.  An  oath  is  to  be  taken  in  the  plain  and 
common  sense  of  the  words,  without  equivoca- 
tion or  mental  reservation k.  It  cannot  oblige 
to  sin  ;  but  in  any  thing  not  sinful,  being  taken, 
it  binds  to  performance,  although  to  a  man's  own 
hurt ■ :  nor  is  it  to  be  violated,  although  made  to 
hereticks  or  infidels  m. 

V.  A  vow  is  of  the  like  nature  with  a  promis- 
sory oath,  and  ought  to  be  made  with  the  like  re- 
ligious care,  and  to  be  performed  with  the  like 
faithfulness  n. 

VI  It  is  not  to  be  made  to  any  creature,  but 
to  God  alone  ■ :  and  that  it  may  be  accepted,  it  is 
to  be  made  voluntarily,  out  of  faith,  and  con- 
science of  duty,  in  way  of  thankfulness  for  mercy 
received,  or  for  obtaining  of  what  we  want ;  where- 

IV.  k  Ps  xxiv.  4.  He  that  V.  •  Is.  xix.  21.  And  the 
hath  clean  hands,  and  a  pure  Lord  shall  be  known  to  Egypt, 
heart;  who  hath  not  lift  up  and  the  Egyptians  shall  know 
his  soul  to  vanity  nor  sworn  the  Lord  in  that  day,  and  shall 
deceitfully.    Jer.  iv.  2  letter  s.   do  sacrifice  and  oblation,  yea, 

1  Ps.  xv.  4  In  whose  eyes  they  shall  vow  a  vow  unto  the 
a  vile  person  is  contemned ;  Lord,  and  perform  it.  Ec.  v. 
but  he  honoureth  them  that  fear  4,  5,  6.  When  thou  vowest  a 
the  Lord  :  he  tfiat  sweareth  to  vow  unto  God,  defer  not  to  pay 
his  oxvn  hurt,  and  changeth  it :  for  he  hath  no  pleasure  in 
not.    1  Sam.  xxv.  22.  32,  33,  34.   fools  ;    pay    that   which    thou 

m   Ez   xv ii.    16.  18,  19.     As  hast  vowed.     Better  is  it  that 

1  live,  saith  the  Lord  God,  thou  shouldest  not  vow,  than 
surely  in  the  place  where  the  that  thou  shouldest  vow,  and 
king  divellelh  that  made  him  not  pay.  Ps.  lxvi.  13,  14.  I 
king,  whose  oath  he  despised,  will  pay  thee  my  vows,  which 
and  whose  covenant  he  brake,  my  lips  have  uttered,  and  my 
even  with  him  in  the  midst  of  mouth  hath  spoken  when  I  was 
Babylon   he  shall  die.     Seeing  in  trouble.    Ps.  lxi.  8. 

he  despised  the  oath,  by  break-  VI.  °  Ps    lxxvi.  11.    Vow, 

ing  the  covenant,  (when  lo,  he  and  pay  unto   the  Lord  your 

had  given  his  hand,)  and  hath  God ;    let  all   that    be    round 

done  all  these  things,  he  shall  about  him  bring  presents  unto 

not  escape     Josh.  ix.   18,  19.  him  that  ought  to  be  feared. 

2  Sam.  xxi.  1.  Jer.  xliv.  25,  26.  * 


The  Confession  of  Faith. 


Ill 


by  we  more  strictly  bind  ourselves  to  necessary 
duties,  or  to  other  things,  so  far  and  so  long  as 
they  may  fitly  conduce  thereunto  p. 

VIL  No  man  may  vow  to  do  any  thing  for- 
bidden  in  the  word  of  God,  or  what  would  hinder 
any  duty  therein  commanded,  or  which  is  not  in 
his  own  power,  and  for  the  performance  whereof 
he  hath  no  promise  nor  ability  from  God  q.  In 
which  respects,  popish  monastical  vows  of  per- 
petual  single  life,  professed  poverty,  and  regular 
obedience,  are  so  far  from  being  degrees  of  higher 
perfection,  that  they  are  superstitious  and  sinful 
snares,  in  which  no  Christian  may  entangle  him- 
self'. 


p  Deut  xxiii.  21.  23.  When 
thou  shalt  vow  a  vow  unto  the 
Lord  thy  God,  thou  shalt  not 
slack  to  pay  it :  for  the  Lord 
thy  God  will  surely  require  it 
of  thee  ;  and  it  would  be  sin  in 
thee. — That  which  is  gone  out 
of  thy  lips,  thou  shalt  keep  and 
perform,  even  a  free-will- 
offering,  according  as  thou  hast 
vowed  unto  the  Lord  thy  God, 
which  thou  hast  promised  with 
thy  mouth.  Fs.  L  14.  Offer 
unto  God  thanksgiving,  and 
pay  thy  vows  unto  the  Most 
High.  Gen.  xxviii.  20,  21,  22. 
And  Jacob  vowed  a  vow,  say- 
If  God  will  be  with  me, 
and  will  keep  me  in  this  way 
that  I  go,  and  will  give  me 
bread  to  eat,  and  raiment  to 
put  on  ; — so  that  I  come  again 
to  my  father's  house  in  p 
then  shall  the  Lord  be  n;v 
And  this  stone  which  i 
set  for  a  pillar,  shah 
house :    and  of  all    tha' 


shalt  give  me,  I  will  sure!;, 
give  the  tenth  unto  thee. — 
Compare  with  the  above.  1 
Sam.  i.  11.  and  Ps.  cxxxii.  2,  3, 
4,5. 

VII.  <J  Acts  xxiii.  12.     And 
when   it   was   day,   certain    of 
the  Jews  banded  together,  and 
bound  themselves  under  a  curse, 
saying,   That  they  would  nei- 
ther eat  nor  drink,    till  they 
had  killed  Paul.     Mark  \ 
And   the   king  was  excec 
sorry,  yet  for  his  oath's  sake, 
and  for  their   sakes  which  sat 
with  him,  he  would  net  it 
her.     See  also  Num.  xxx.  5.  8. 
12,  13. 

r  1  Cor.  vii.  2   9      Neverthe- 
less,   to  avoid  fcrtiii 

man  have  his  own  wile, 
and  let  every  woman  have  her 
own  husband.     But  if  the] 
not   contain,   let  them   ma 
for  it  is  better  to  marry  than  to 
burn 


112  The  Confession  of  Faith. 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 

OF  THE  CIVIL  MAGISTRATE. 

GO  D,  the  supreme  Lord  and  King  of  all  the 
world,  hath  ordained  civil  magistrates  to  be 
under  him  over  the  people,  for  his  own  glory  and 
the  public  good,  and  to  this  end,  hath  armed  them 
with  the  power  of  the  sword,  for  the  defence  and 
encouragement  of  them  that  are  good,  and  for  the 
punishment  of  evil-doers  a  . 

II.  It  is  lawful  for  Christians  to  accept  and  exe- 
cute the  office  of  a  magistrate,  when  called  there- 
unto b ;  in  the  managing  whereof,  as  they  ought 
especially  to  maintain  piety,  justice  and  peace, 
according  to  the  wholesome  laws  of  each  com- 
monwealth c,  so,  for  that  end,  they  may  lawfully, 

I.  *  Rom.  xiii.   1.  3,  4.    Let  preme  ;— Or    unto    governors, 

every  soul  be  subject  unto  the  as  unto  them  that  are  sent  by 

higher  powers.     For  there   is  him,    for    the    punishment    of 

no   power    but   of    God  :    the  evil-doers,  and  for  the  praise  of 

powers  that  be,  are  ordained  of  them  that  do  well. 
God.    For  rulers  are  not  a  ter-       II.  b  Prov.   viii.    15.    By  me 

mr  to  good  works,  but  to  the  kings  reign,  and  princes  decree 

evil.     Wilt  thou   then  not  be  justice.    Ver.  16.  By  me    prin- 

afraid  of  the  power  ?  Do  that  ces  rule,  and  nobles,   even  all 

which  is  good,  and  thou  shalt  the  judges  of  the  earth.    See 

have  praise  of  the  same  : — For  in  letter  a. 
he  is  the  minister  of  God  to       c  Ps.  lxxxii.  3,  4.  Defend  the 

thee  for  good-    Bat  if  thou  do  poor  and  fatherless:  do  justice 

that  which  is  evil,  be  afraid ;  to   the  afflicted   and  needy. — 

for  he  beareth  not  the  sword  Deliver  the  poor  and  needy : 

in  vain:  for  he  is  the  minister  rid  them  out  of  the  hand  of  the 

of  God,  a  revenger,  to  execute  wicked.    2  Sam.  xxiii.  3.  The 

wrath   upon    him    that    doeth  God  of  Israel  said,  the  Rock  of 

evil.     1  Pet.  ii.  13,  14.    Submit-  Israel   spake  to  me,   He  that 

yourselves  to  every  ordinance  ruleth  over  men  must  be  just, 

of  man  for  the   Lord's  sake  :  ruling  in  the  fear  of  God.     See 

Whether  it  be  to  kings  as  su-  1  Pet.  ii.  13.  letter  •. 


The  Confession  of  Faith.  113 

now  under  the  New  Testament,  wage  war  upon 
just  and  necessary  occasions  d. 

III.  Civil  magistrates  may  not  assume  to  them- 
selves the  administration  of  the  word  and  sacra- 
ments c;  or  the  power  of  the  keys  of  the  kingdom 
of  heaven f;  or,  in  the  least,  interfere  in  mattters 
of  faith  *.  Yet  as  nursing  fathers,  it  is  the  duty 
of  civil  magistrates  to  protect  the  church  of  our 
common  Lord,  without  giving  the  preference  to 
any  denomination  of  Christians  above  the  rest  in 
such  a  manner,  that  all  ecclesiastical  persons  what- 
ever shall  enjoy  the  full,  free,  and  unquestioned 
liberty  of  discharging,  every  part  of  their  sacred 
functions,  without  violence  or  danger  h.     And,  as 

d  Luke  iii .  14.    And  the  sol-  And  I  will  give  unto  thee  the 

diers   likewise     demanded    of  keys  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven  : 

him,   saying,   And    what  shall  and     whatsoever     thou     shalt 

we  do?  And  he  said  unto  them,  bind  on  earth,  shall  be  bound 

Do  violence  to  no  man,  neither  in     heaven  :    and    whatsoever 

accuse  any  falsely,  and  be  con-  thou  shalt  loose  en  earth,  shall 

tent  with   your  wages.    Matt,  be  loosed  in  heaven.    1  Cor.  iv. 

viii.  9  and  10-  at  large.     For  I  1,  2.     Let  a  man  so  account  of 

am    a    man    under    authority,  us,  as  of  the  ministers  of  Christ, 

having  soldiers  unto  me:  and  1  and  stewards  of  the  mysteries 

say  to  this  man,  Go,   and  he  of   God. — Moreovtr    it  is   re- 

goeth  ;   and  to  another,  Come,  quired  in  stewards,  that  a  man 

and  he  cometh  :  and  to  my  ser-  be  found  faithful, 

vant.  Do  this,  and  he  doeth  itl  *  John   xviii.   36.     Jesus  an- 

Acts  x.  1,  2.     Rom.  xiii.  4.  swered,  My  kingdom  is  not  of 

III.  e  2  Chr.  xxvi.    18.     And  this    world.     Ma),    ii.   7.      For 

they     withstood    Uzziah     the  the  priest's   lips  should   keep 

king,  and  said  unto  him,  It  ap-  knowledge,     and    they    should 

pertaineth   not  unto  thee,  Uz-  seek  the  law  at  his  mouth;  for 

ziah,  to  burn  incense  unto  the  he  is  the  messenger  of  the  Lord 

Lord,  but  to  the   priests,   the  of   hosts.     Acts    v.    29     Then 

sons  of  Aaron,  that  are  conse-  Peter  and   the  other   apostles 

crated  to  burn  incense;  go  out  answered  and  said,  We  ought 

of  the  sanctuary,   for  thou  hast  to  obey  God  rather  than  men. 

trespassed :  neither  shall   it  be  h    Is.    xlix.    23.     And    kings 

for  thine  honour  from  the  Lord  shall     be    thy    nursing-fathers, 

God.  and    their  queens  thy  nursing- 

1  Matt  xvi.  18,  19.  at  large,  mothers. 

K  2 


114  The  Confession  of  Faith. 

Jesus  Christ  hath  appointed  a  regular  government 
and  discipline  in  his  church,  no  law  of  any  com- 
monwealth, should  interfere  with,  let,  or  hinder, 
the  due  exercise  thereof,  among  the  voluntary- 
members  of  any  denomination  of  Christians, 
according  to  their  own  profession  and  belief1.  It 
is  the  duty  of  civil  magistrates  to  protect  the  per- 
son and  good  name  of  all  their  people,  in  such  an 
effectual  manner  as  that  no  person  be  suffered, 
either  upon  pretence  of  religion  or  infidelity,  to 
offer  any  indignity,  violence,  abuse  or  injury  to 
any  other  person  whatsoever :  and  to  take  order, 
that  all  religious  and  ecclesiastical  assemblies  be 
held  without  molestation  or  disturbance  k. 

IV.  It  is  the  duty  of  the  people  to  pray  for 
magistrates1,  to  honour  their  persons  m,  to  pay 
them  tribute  and  other  dues  n,  to  obey  their  law- 
ful commands,  and  to  be  subject  to  their  authori- 
ty, for  conscience'  sake  °.  Infidelity  or  difference 
in  religion,  doth  not  make  void  the  magistrate's 
just  and  legal  authority,  nor  free  the  people  from 

*  Ps.  cv.  15.  Touch  not  mine  n  Rom.  xiii.  6,  7.  For,  for 
anointed,  and  do  my  prophets  this  cause,  pay  you  tribute  also; 
no  harm.  Acts  xviii.  14,  15.  at  for  they  are  God's  ministers 
large.  attending  continually  upon  this 

k  2  Sam.  xxiii.  3.  1  Tim.  ii.  very  thing. — Render  therefore 
1  and  2.  at  large.  Rom.  xiii.  4.  to  all  their  dues,  tribute  to 
at  large.  whom   tribute  is  due,   custom 

IV.  l  1  Tim.  ii.  1,2.  I  ex-  to  whom  custom,  fear  to  whom 
hort  therefore,  that  first  of  all  fear,  honour  to  whom  honour, 
suppli  cation,  prayers,  interces-  °  Rom.  xiii.  5.  Wherefore 
sions  and  giving  of  thanks  be  ye  must  needs  be  subject,  not 
made  for  all  men  :  for  kings,  only  for  wrath,  but  also  for 
andybr  all  that  are  in  authority;  conscience'  sake.  Tit.  iii.  1. 
that  we  may  lead  a  quiet  and  Put  them  in  mind  to  be  subject 
peaceable  life  in  all  godliness  to  principalities  and  powers, 
and  honesty.  to  obey  magistrates,  to  be  ready 

m  1  Pet.  ii.  17.    Fear  God.  to  every  good  "work. 
Honour  the  king. 


The  Confession  of  Faith.  115 

their  due  obedience  to  him? :  from  which  ecclesi- 
astical persons  are  not  exempted  * ;  much  less 
hath  the  Pope  any  power  or  jurisd!?tion  over 
them  in  their  dominions,  or  over  any  of  their 
people ;  and  least  of  all  to  deprive  them  of  their 
dominions  or  lives,  if  he  shall  judge  them  to  be 
hereticks,  or  upon  any  other  pretence  whatsoever r. 

p  1  Pet  ii.  13,  14.  16.    Sub-  as  thou  very  well  knowest— 

mit  yourselves  to   every  ordi-  For  if  I  be  an  offender,  or  have 

nance  of  man  for  the  Lord's  committed    any    thing   worthy 

sake,  whether  it  be  to  the  king  of  death,  I  refuse  not  to  die ; 

as  supreme ; — Or  unto  govern-  but  if  there  be  none  of  these 

ors,  as  unto  them  that  are  sent  things    whereof    these   accuse 

by  him,  for  the  punishment  of  me,  no  man  may  deliver   me 

evil-doers,  and  for  the  praise  of  unto    them.      I    appeal    unto 

them  that   do  well.    As  free,  Caesar. 

and  not  using  their  liberty  for  a  r   2  Thess.  ii.   4.    Who  op- 

cloke  oi         "  '-^ness,  but  as  poseth     and   exalteth    himself 

the  servant  M  vjoa.  above   all  that  is  called  God, 

9  Rom.   xiii.    1.     Let   every  or  that  is  worshipped;  so  that 

soul  be  subject  v  tc  i\e  higher  he  as  God,  sitteth  in  the  tem- 

powers.      Acts    xxv.    10,    11.  pie  of    God,   shewing   himself 

Then    said   Paul,    I    stand   at  that  he  is  God.    Rev.  xiii.  15, 

Cxsar's  judgment  seat,  where  16,    17,  18.     And  he  had  pow- 

I  ought  to  be  judged ;  to  the  er  to  give  life  unto  the  image* 

Jews  have   1  done  no  wrong,  &c. 


116  The  Confession  of  Faith, 

CHAPTER  XXIV. 

OF  MARRIAGE  AND  DIVORCE. 

MARRIAGE  is  to  be  between  one  man  and 
one  woman  :  neither  is  it  lawful  for  any 
man  to  have  more  than  one  wife,  nor  for  any  wo- 
man to  have  more  than  one  husband,  at  the  same 
time  \ 

II.  Marriage  was  ordained  for  the  mutual  help 
of  husband  and  wife  b ;  for  the  increase  of  mankind 
with  a  legitimate  issue,  and  of  the  church  with 
an  holy  seed c ;  and  for  preventing  of  uncleannessd. 

III.  It  is  lawful  for  all  sorts  of  people  to  marry 
who  are  able  with  judgment  to  give  their  con- 
sent  %  yet  it  is  the  duty  of  Christians  to  marry 
only  in  the  Lord f.  And,  therefore,  such  as  pro- 
fess  the  true  reformed  religion  should  not  marry 
with  infidels,  papists,  or  other  idolaters :  neither 
should  such  as  are  godly  be  unequally  yoked,  by 

I.  a  1  Cor.  vii.  2.  Mark  x.  6,  and  let  every  woman  have  her 
7.  at  large.  own  husband.— But  if  they  can- 

II.  b  Gen.  ii.  18.  And  the  not  contain,  let  them  many;  for 
Lord  God  said,  It  is  not  good  it  is  better  to  marry  than  to  burn, 
that  the  man  should  be  alone  ;  III.  e  1  Tim.  iv.  3.  Forbid- 
I  will  make  him  an  help  meet  ding  to  marry.  Gen.  xxiv.  $7> 
for  him.  58.    And   they  said,  We  will 

c  Mai.  ii.  15.  And  did  not  call  the  damsel,  and  enquire  at 
he  make  one i  yet  had  he  the  her  mouth. — And  they  called 
residue  of  the  Spirit ;  and  Rebecca,  and  said  unto  her, 
wherefore  one  ?  that  he  might  Wilt  thou  go  with  this  man  ? 
seek  a  godly  seed ;  therefore  And  she  said,  I  will  go. 
take  heed  to  your  spirit,  and  f  1  Cor.  vii.  39.  The  wife  is 
let  none  deal  treacherously  bound  by  the  law  as  long  as  her 
against  the  wife  of  his  youth.       husband  liveth  ;  but  if  her  hus- 

d  1  Cor.  vii.  2.  9.  Neverthe-  band  be  dead,  she  is  at  liberty 
less,  to  avoid  fornication,  let  to  be  married  to  whom  she  will; 
every  man  have  his  own  wife,  only  in  the  Lord. 


The  Confession  of  Faith.  117 

marrying  with  such  as  are  notoriously  wicked  in 
their  life,  or  maintain  damnable  heresies  *. 

IV.  Marriage  ought  not  to  be  within  the  de- 
grees of  consanguinity  or  affinity  forbidden  in  the 
wordh;  nor  can  such  incestuous  marriages  ever 
be  made  lawful  by  any  law  of  man,  or  consent  of 
parties,  so  as  those  persons  may  live  together,  as 
man  and  wife  \  The  man  may  not  marry  any  of 
his  wife's  kindred  nearer  in  blood  than  he  may  of 
his  own,  nor  the  woman  of  her  husband's  kindred 
nearer  in  blood  than  of  her  own  k. 

V.  Adultery  or  fornication,  committed  after  a 
contract,  being  detected  before  marriage,  giveth 
just  occasion,  to  the  innocent  party,  to  dissolve 
that  contract '.     In  the  case  of  adultery  after  mar- 

6  Gen.  xxxiv.  14.  Ex.  xxxiv.  uncle's  wife,  he  hath  uncovered 
16.  2  Cor.  vi.  14.  Be  ye  not  his  uncle's  nakedness;  they 
unequally  yoked  together  with  shall  bear  their  sin,  they  shall 
unbelievers:  for  what  fellow-  die  childless.  And  if  a  man 
ship  hath  righteousness  with  shall  take  his  brother's  wife, 
unrighteousness  ?  and  what  it  is  an  unclean  thing :  he  hath 
communion  hath  light  with  uncovered  his  brother's  naked- 
darkness  ?  Compare  1  Kings  ness,  they  shall  be  childless, 
xi.  4.     Neh.  xiii.  23,  26,  27.  V.  |  Matt.  i.  18,  19,  20.  Now 

IV. h  Lev.  xviii.  chap.  1  Cor.  the  birth  of  Jesus  Christ  was 

v.  1.     It  is  reported  commonly  on  this  wise  ;  When  as  hismo- 

that  there  is  fornication  among  ther  Mary  was  espoused  to  Jo- 

you,  and  such  fornication  as  is  seph,  before  they  came  together, 

t  so  much  as  named  among  she  was  found  with  child  of  the 

the   Gentiles,  that   one  should  Holy  Ghost.     Then  Joseph  her 

have  his  father's  wife.  husband,  being  a  just  man,  and 

•  Mirk  vi.  18.  For  John  had  not  willing  to  make  her  a  pub- 
said  unto  Herod,  It  is  not  law-  lie  example,  was  minded  to  put 
ful  for  thee  to  have  thy  bro-  her  away  privily.  But  while 
ther's  wife.  Lev.  xviii.  24,  25,  he  thought  on  these  things,  be- 
26,  27,  28.  hold  the  angel  of  the  Lord  ap« 

k  Lev.  xx.  19,  20,  21.  And  peared  unto  him  in  a  dream, 
thou  shalt  not  uncover  the  saying,  Joseph  thou  son  of  Da- 
nakedness  of  thy  mother's  sis-  vid,  fear  not  to  take  unto  thee 
ter,  nor  of  thv  father's  sister,  Mary  thy  wife,  f  rthal  which  is 
for  lie  uncovereth  his  near  kin  ;  conceived  in  her,  is  of  the  Hoi- 
they  shall  bear  their  iniquity.  Ghost. 
And  if  a  man  shall  lie  with  his 


118  The  Confession  of  Faith. 

riage,  it  is  lawful  for  the  innocent  party  to  sue^ 
out  a  divorce  m,  and  after  the  divorce  to  many 
another,  as  if  the  offending  party  were  dead  n. 

VI.  Although  the  corruption  of  man  be  such 
as  is  apt  to  study  arguments,  unduly  to  put  asun- 
der those  whom  God  hath  joined  together  in  mar- 
riage ;  yet  nothing  but  adultery,  or  such  wilful 
desertion  as  can  no  way  be  remedied  by  the 
church  or  civil  -magistrate,  is  cause  sufficient  of 
dissolving  the  bond  of  marriage  ° :  wherein  a  pub- 
lic and  orderly  course  of  proceeding  is  to  be  ob- 
served ;  and  the  persons  concerned  in  it,  not  left 
to  their  own  wills  and  discretion  in  their  own  case  p, 

m  Matt.  v.    31,  32.    It  hath  suffered  you  to  put  away  your 

been  sad,  Whosoever  shall  put  wives;  but  from  the  begin  ing 

away  his  wife,  let  him  give  her  it  was  not   so.     1  Cor.  vn.  15. 

a  writing  of  divorcement.  But  I  But  if  the  unbelieving  depart, 

say  unto  you,   that  whosoever  let  him  depart.     A  brother  or 

shall  put  away  his  wife,  saving  a  sister  is  not  under  bondage  in 

for   the   cause    of  fornication,  such    cases:    but    God    hath 

causeth  her  to  commit  adultery:  called  us  to  peace.    Matt.  xix. 

and  whosoever  shall  marry  her  6.  Wherefore  they  are  no  more 

that   is    divorced,   committeth  twain,   but    one    flesh.     What 

adultery.  therefore     God    hath     joined 

n  Matt.  xix.  9.     And  I  say  together,  let  no  man  put  asun- 

unto  you,  Whosoever  shall  put  der. 

away  his  wife,  except  it  be  for       p  Ezra  x.  3.    Now  therefore 

fornication,    and    shall    marry  let  us  make  a  covenant  with 

another,  committeth  adultery  :  our  God,  to  put  away  all  the 

and   whosoever  marrieth    her  wives,  and  such  as  are  born  of 

which  is  put  away,  doth  com-  them,  according  to  the  counsel 

mit  adultery.     Rom.  vii.  2,  3.  of  my  lord,   and  of  those  that 

VI.  °  Matt.  xix.  8.    He  saith  tremble  at  the  commandment 

unto  them,  Moses>  because  of  of  our  God,  and  let  it  be  done 

the   hardness   of  your  hearts,  according  to  the  law, 


The  Confession  of  Faith.  119 

CHAPTER  XXV. 

OF  THE  CHURCH. 

THE  Catholic  or  universal  church,  which  is 
invisible,  consists  of  the  whole  number  of 
the  elect,  that  have  been,  are,  or  shall  be  gathered 
into  one,  under  Christ  the  head  thereof;  and  is 
the  spouse,  the  body,  the  fulness  of  him  that  fil- 
leth  all  in  all  *. 

II.  The  visible  church,  which  is  also  Catholic 
or  universal  under  the  gospel,  (not  confined  to 
one  nation  as  before  under  the  law)  consists  of  all 
those  throughout  the  world,  that  profess  the  true 
religion  b,  together  with  their  children  c ;   and  is 

I.  *  Eph.  i.  10.  22,  23.  That  all  the  members  of  that  one 
in  the  dispensation  of  the  ful-  body,  being  many,  are  one 
ness  of  times,  he  might  gather  body  ;  so  also  U  Christ. — For 
together  in  one  all  things  in  by  one  Spirit,  are  we  all  bap- 
Christ,  !x>th  which  are  in  hea-  tized  into  one  body,  whether  ive 
ven,  and  which  are  on  earth,  be  Jews  or  Gentiles,  whether 
even  in  him.  And  hath  put  tve  he  bond  or  free,  and  have 
all  things  under  his  feet,  and  been  all  made  to  drink^Eito 
gave  him  to  be  the  head  over  one  Spirit.  Ps.  ii.  8.  ^M  of 
all  things  to  the  church.  Which  me;  aiid  I  shall  give  tfjgthz 
is  his  body,  the  fulness  of  him  heathen  for  thine  inheritance, 
that  ftileth  all  in  all.  Col.  i.  and  the  uttermost  parts  of  the 
18.  And  he  is  the  head  of  the  earth  /;>r  thyApossession.  Rom. 
body,  the  church:  Eph.  v.  23.  xv.  9,  10,  11,  12. 

«  1  Cor.  vii.  14.     For  the  un- 

II.  b  1  Cor.  i.  2  Unto  the  believing  husband  is  sanctified 
church  of  God  which  is  at  by  the  wife,  and  the  unbeliev- 
Corinth,  to  them  that  are  sane-  ing  wife  is  sanctified  by  the 
tihtd  in  Christ  Jesus,  called  to  husband:  else  were  your  chil- 
be  saints,  with  all  that  in  every    dren    unclean;    but    now    are 

J->lace,  call    upon  the  name  of  they   huh.     Acta    ii.    39.     For 
the'  pn  mise    is   onto  yay,   and 
theirs  and  ours.     I  Col  to    your    children,    and    to   all 

13.    For  as  en  as  many 

and  hath  many  members,  and   as    the   Lord    our    God  shall 


120 


The  Confession  of  Faith. 


the  kingdom  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ d,  the  house 
and  family  of  God%  out  of  which  there  is  no  or- 
dinary  possibility  of  salvation  f. 

III.  Unto  this  Catholic  visible  church,  Christ 
hath  given  the  ministry,  oracles,  and  ordinances  of 
God,  for  the  gathering  and  perfecting  of  the 
saints,  in  this  life,  to  the  end  of  the  world :  and 
doth  by  his  own  presence  and  Spirit,  according 
to  his  promise,  make  them  effectual  thereunto  g. 

IV.  This  Catholic  church  hath  been  sometimes 
more,  sometimes  less,  visible  h.     And  particular 


call.  Gen.  xvii.  7.  And  I  will 
establish  my  covenant  between 
me  and  thee;  and  thy  seed  af- 
ter thee,  in  their  generations, 
for  an  everlasting  covenant ; 
to  be  a  God  unto  diee,  and  to 
thy  seed  after  thee.  Rom.  xi. 
16.  For  if  the  first  fruit  be 
holy,  the  lump  is  alsoAo/z/;  and 
if  the  root  be  holy,  so  are  the 
branches.  Gal.  iii.  7.  9.  14. 
Rom.  iv.  throughout. 

d  Matt.  xiii.  47.  Again,  the 
kingdom  of  heaven  is  like  unto 
a  net  that  was  cast  into  the 
sea,  and  gathered  of  every 
kind.     Is.  ix.  7. 

e  Eph.  ii.  19.  Now  there- 
fore ye  are  no  more  strangers 
and  foreigners,  but  fellow-citi- 
zens with  the  saints,  and  of 
the  household  of  God.  Eph 
Hi.  15.  Of  whom  the  whole  fa- 
mily in  heaven  and  earth  is 
named.  Prcv.  xxix.  18.  Where 
there  is  no  vision,  the  peop^ 
perish:  but  be  that  keepeth 
the  law,  happy  is  he. 

f  Acts  ii.  47.  And  the  Lord 
added  to  the  church  daily  such 
as  should  be  saved. 

III.  3  Eph.  iv.  11.  And  he 
gave  some,  apostles :  and  some, 


prophets:  and  some,  evange- 
lists ;  and  some,  pastors  and 
teachers;  Verse  12.  For  the 
perfecting  of  the  saints,  for  the 
work  of  the  ministry,  for  the 
edifying  of  the  body  of  Christ : 
verse  13.  Till  we  all  come  in 
the  unity  of  the  faith,  and  of 
the  knowledge  of  the  Son  of 
God,  unto  a  perfect  man,  unto 
the  measure  of  the  stature  of 
the  fulness  of  Christ.  Is,  lix. 
21.  As  for  me,  this  is  my  co- 
venant with  them,  saith  the 
Lord,  My  Spirit  that  is  upon 
thee,  and  my  words  which  I 
have  put  in  thy  mouth,  shall 
not  depart  out  of  thy  mouth, 
nor  out  of  the  mouth  of  thy 
seed,  nor  out  of  the  mouth  of 
thy  seed's  seed,  saith  the  Lord, 
from  henceforth  and  for  ever. 
Matt,  xxviii    19,  20 

IV.  h  Rom.  xi  3,  4.  Lord, 
they  have  killed  thy  prophets, 
and  digged  down  thine  altars ; 
and  I  am  left  alone,  and  they 
seek  my  life.  But  what  saith 
the  answer  of  God  unto  him  ? 
I  have  reserved  unto  myself 
seven  thousand  men,  who  have 
not  bowed  the  knee  to  the  image 
of  Baal.    Rev.  xii.  6.  14.    And 


The  Confession  of  Faith.  121 

churches,  which  are  members  thereof,  are  more 
or  less  pure,  according  as  the  doctrine  of  the  gos- 
pel is  taught  and  embraced,  ordinances  adminis- 
tered, and  public  worship  performed  more  or  less 
purely  in  them  \ 

V.  The  purest  churches  under  heaven  are  sub- 
ject both  to  mixture  and  error k :  and  some  have 
so  degenerated,  as  to  become  no  churches  of 
Christ,  but  synagogues  of  Satan  \  Nevertheless, 
there  shall  be  always  a  church  on  earth,  to  wor- 
ship God  according  to  his  will  m. 

the  woman  fled  into  the  wilder-  ven    is    likened    unto    a   man 

ness,  where  she  hath   a  place  which  sowed  good  seed  in  his 

prepared    of    God,  that   they  field :  But  while  men  slept,  his 

should  feed  her  there  a  thou-  enemy  came  and   sowed  tares 

sand  two  hundred  and  three-  among  the   wheat,   and  went 

score  days. — And  to  the  woman  his  way. — But  when  the  blade 

were    given   two   wings   of    a  was   sprung   up,    and  brought 

great  eagle,  that  she  might  flee  forth  fruit,  then  appeared  the 

into  the    wilderness    into   her  tares  also,  6cc.  verse  47.  Again, 

place :  where  she  is  nourished  the  kingdom  of  heaven  is  like 
for  a  time,  and  times,  and  half  unto  a  net  that  was  cast  into 

a  time,  from  the  face  of  the  the  sea,  and  gathered  of  every 

serpent.     Acts  ix.  31.  kind. 

1  1  Cor.  v.  6,  7.    Your  glory-  l  Rev.  xviii.  2     And  he  cried 

ing  is  not  good ;  know  ye  not  mightily,  with  a  strong  voice, 

that  a  little  leaven  leaveneth  saying,    Babylon    the  great    is 

the  whole    lumpr* — Purge   out  fallen,  is  fallen,   and  is  become 

therefore  the  old  leaven,  that  the  habitation   of   devils,    and 

ye  may  be  a  new  lump,  as  ye  the  hold  of  every  foul   spirit, 

are    unleavened.      For     even  and  a  cage  of  even'  unclean 

Christ  our  passover  is  sacri*-  and  hateful  bird.     Rom.  xi.  18, 

red    for  us.     Rev.  2d  and   3d  19,  20,  21,  22. 

chanters  throughout.  .  Matt.  xvi.  18.     And  I  say 

V.   k   1    Cor.    xiii.    12.     For  als^   unto  thee,  that   thou 

now   we   see   through    a    glass  Peter,   and   upon    this    rock    I 

darkly  ;  but  then  face  to  face  :  will  build  my  church  :  and  the 

now  1  know  in  part;    but  then  gates  of  he'll  shall  not  prevail 

shall  I  know  even  as  also  1  am  against  it.     Ps.    cii.    28.     The 

known.    (Rev.  :d  and  3d  chap-  children    of  thy  servants  shall 

ni.  24,  25,  26,  27,  continue,   and  their  seed   shall 

28,  j9,  oo    17     Another  para-  be     established     before     thee, 

ble   put  he    forth    unto    them,  Matt,  xxviii.  19,  20. 
saying,  The   kingdom  of  hea- 

L 


122  The  Confession  of  Faith. 

VI.  There  is  no  other  head  of  the  church  but 
the  Lord  Jesus  Christ".  Nor  can  the  pope  of 
Rome,  in  any  sense  he  head  thereof;  but  is  that 
antichrist,  that  man  of  sin,  and  son  of  perdition, 
that  exalteth  himself,  in  the  church,  against  Christ, 
and  all  that  is  called  God  °. 

VI.  n  Col.  i.  18.  And  he  the  earth :  for  one  is  your  Fa- 
is  the  head  of  the  body,  the  ther  which  is  in  heaven. — Nei- 
church  ;  who  is  the  beginning,  ther  be  ye  called  masters :  for 
the  first-born  from  the  dead;  one  is  your  master,  even  Christ, 
that  in  all  things  he  might  have  2  Thess.  i.  2,  3,  4.  8,  9.  Grace 
the  pre-eminence.  Eph.  i.  22.  unto  yon,  and  peace  from  God 
And  hath  put  all  things  under  our  Father,  and  the  Lord  Jesus 
bis  feet,  and  gave  him  to  be  Christ.  We  are  bound  to 
the  head  ever  all  things  to  the  thank  God  always  for  you,  bre- 
churcu.  thren,  as  it  is  meet,   because 

°  Matt,  xxiii.  8,  9,  10.     But  that  your  faith  groweth  exceed- 

be  not  ye  called  Rabbi :  for  one  ingly,  and  the  charity  of  every 

is  your    master,    even   Christ,  one   of  you   all   towards  each 

and  all  ye  are  brethren. — And  other  aboundtth. 
call  no  man  your  father  upon 


CHAPTER  XXVI. 

OF  THE  COMMUNION  OF  SAINTS. 

AL  L  saints  that  are  united  to  Jesus  Christ  their 
head,  by  his  Spirit  and  by  faith,  have  fel- 
lowship with  him  in  his  graces,  sufferings,  death, 
resurrection  and  glory  a  :  and,  being  united  to  one 

I.  a  1  John  i.  3.     That  which  18,  19.     That  he  would  grant 

we  have  seen  and  heard,  de-  you,  according  to  the  riches  of 

clare  we  unto  you,  that  ye  also  his  glory,  to  be  strengthened 

may  have  fellowship  with  us  :  with  might,  by  his  Spirit  in  the 

and  truly  our  fellowship  is  with  inner-man; — that  Christ  may 

the  Father  and  with  his  Son  dwell  in  ycur  hearts  by  faith. 

Jesus  Christ.     Eph.  iii.  16,  17,  John  i.  16.    And  of  his  fulness 


The  Confession  of  Faith.  123 

another  in  love,  they  have  communion  in  each 
others,  gifts  and  graces  b,  and  are  obliged  to  the 
performance  of  such  duties,  public  and  private,  as 
do  conduce  to  their  mutual  good,  both  in  the  in- 
ward and  outward  man c. 

II.  Saints,  by  profession,  are  bound  to  main- 
tain an  holy  fellowship  and  communion  in  the 
worship  of  God,  and  in  performing  such  other 
spiritual  services  as  tend  to  their  mutual  edifica- 
tion d ;  as  also  in  relieving  each  other  in  outward 
things,  according  to  their  several  abilities  and  ne- 
cessities.  Which  communion,  as  God  offereth 
opportunity,  is  to  be  extended  unto  all  those 
who,  in  every  place,  call  upon  the  name  of  the 
Lord  Jesus e. 

have  all  we  received,  and  grace  men.  Gal.  vii.  10.  As  we  have 
for  grace.  Phil.  iii.  10.  That  I  therefore  opportunity,  let  us 
may  know  him,  and  the  power  do  good  unto  all  men,  especially 
cf  his  resurrection,  and  the  unto  them  who  are  of  the 
fellowship  of  his  sufferings,  be-  household  of  faith.  1  John  iii. 
ing  made  conformable  unto  his  16,  17,  18. 
death.  II.   A   Heb.  x.   24,   25.    And 

b  Eph.  iv.  15,  16.  But  speak-  let  us  consider  one  another,  to 
ing  the  truth  in  love,  may  grow  provoke  unto  love  and  to  good 
up  into  him  in  all  things,  works: — Not  forsaking  the  as- 
which  is  the  head,  even  Christ,  sembling  of  ourselves  together, 
— From  whom  the  whole  body  as  the  manner  of  some  is ;  but 
fitly  joined  together,  and  com-  exhorting  one  another ;  and  so 
pacted  by  that  which  every  much  the  more,  as  you  see  the 
joint  supplieth,  according  to  day  approaching.  Acts  ii.  42. 
the  effectual  working  in  the  46.  And  they  continued  sted- 
measure  of  every  part,  maketh  fastly  in  the  apostles'  doctrine 
increase  of  the  body,  unto  the  and  Fellowship,  and  in  breaking 
edifying  of  itself  in  love.  of  bread,  and  in  prayer. — And 

c  1  Thess.  v.  11.  14.  Where-  they  continued  daily  with  one 
fore  comfort  yourselves  toge-  accord  in  the  temple,  and 
ther,  and  edify  one  another,  breaking  of  bread,  from  house 
even  as  also  re  do.  Now  we  to  house,  did  eat  their  meat 
exhort  you,  brethren,  warn  with  gladness  and  singleness 
them  that  are  unruly,  comfort  heart  Is.  ii.  3.  1  Cor.  xi. 
the  feeble  minded,  support  the  •  1  John  iii.  17.  But  whoso 
weak,   be   patient   toward  all   hath  this  world's   goods,  and 


121  The  Confession  of  Faith. 

III.  This  communion  which  the  saints  have 
with  Christ,  doth  not  make  them  in  any  wise  par- 
takers of  the  substance  of  his  godhead,  or  to  be 
equal  with  Christ  in  any  respect :  either  of  which 
to  affirm,  is  impious  and  blasphemous f.  Nor 
doth  their  communion  one  with  another,  as  saints, 
take  away,  or  infringe  the  title  or  property  which 
each  man  hath,  in  his  goods  and  possessions  g. 

seeth  his  brother  have  need,  that  in   all  things  he    might 

and  shutteth  up  his  bowels  of  have  the  pre-eminence.  1  Cor. 

compassion    from    him ;     how  viii.  6.    But  to  us  there  is  but 

dwelleth   the  love  of   God   in  one  God,  the  Father,  of  whom 

him  ?    Acts  xi.  29,  SO.    Then  are  all  things,  and  we  in  him ; 

the  disciples,  every  man   ac-  and  one  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  by 

cording  to    his   ability,   deter-  whom  are  all  things,  and  we 

mined  to  send  relief  unto  the  by  him.    Ps.   xlv.  7.     1  Tim. 

brethren  which  dwelt  in  Judea.  Vi.  16. 

Which  also  they  did,  and  sent  8  Acts  v.   4.    While  it  re- 

u  to  the  elders  by  the  hands  of  mained,  was  it  not  thine  own  ? 

Barnabas  and  Saul.    2  Cor.  8  and  after  it  was  sold,  was  it 

•and  9  chapters.  not     in    thine     own     power  ? 

III.  f  Col.  i.  18,  19.    And  he  Why  hast  thou  conceived  this 

is  the  head  of  the  body,  the  thing    in   thine   heart?    Thou 

church:  who  is  the  beginning,  hast  not  lied  unto  men,  but  unto 

the  first-born  from   the  dead,  God. 


S 


CHAPTER  XXVII. 
OF  THE  SACRAMENTS. 

ACRAMENTS  are  holy  signs  and  seals  of 
the  covenant  of  grace  %  immediately  insti- 


I.  a  Rom.  iv.  11.    And   he  yet  being  uncircumcised :  that 

received  the  sign   of  circum-  he  might  be  the  father  of  all 

cision,  a  seal  of  the  righteous-  them     that     believe,     though 

ncss  of  the  faith  which  he  had  they  be  not  circumcised,  that 


The  Confession  of  Faith.  125 

tuted  by  Godb,  to  represent  Christ  and  his  bene- 
fits ;  and  to  confirm  our  interest  in  him c  ;  as  also 
to  put  a  visible  difference  between  those  that  be- 
long  unto  the  church,  and  the  rest  of  the  world  d  ; 
and  solemnly  to  engage  them  to  the  service  of 
God  in  Christ,  according  to  his  word  c. 

II.  There  is  in  every  sacrament  a  spiritual  re- 
lation, or  sacramental  union,  between  the  sign  and 

righteousness  might  be  imputed  many  of  yen  as  have  been  bap- 
unto  them  also.     Gen.   xvii.  7.  dzed  into  Christ,   have  put  on 
And  I  will  establish  my  cove- 
nant between  me  and  thee,  and  Ex.  xii.  ZS.     And  when  a 
thy   seed  after   thee   in    their  stranger  shall  sojourn  with  thee, 
generations,  for  an  everlasting  and  will  keep  ttie  passover  to 
covenant;    to  be   a  God   unto  the  Lord,   let  all  his  males  be 
thee  and  to  thy  seed  after  thee,  circumcised,  and  then  let  him 
b    Matt,  xxviii.    19.    Go    ye  come  near  and  keep  it ;  and  he 
therefore  and  teach  all  nations,  shall  be  as  one  that  is  b 
baptizing  them  in  the  name  of  the  land:  for  no  unci: 
the    Father,  and   of   the    Son,  person    shall    eat    thereof.     1 
and  of  the  Holy  Ghost.    1  Cor.  Cor.  v.  21.    Ye  cannot  drink 
xi.  23.     For  I  have  received  of  the  cup  of  the  Lord,    and  the 
the    Lord,  that  which    also    I  cup  of  devils,  ye  cannot  be  par- 
have   delivered  unto  you,  that  takers  of  the  Lord's  table,  and 
the  Lord  Jesus,  the  same  night  of  the  table  of  devils. 
in    which    he    was    betrayed,       e  Rom.  vi.  3.     Know  ye  not, 
took  bread.  that  so  many  of   us   as   were 
c  1  Cor.  x.  16.     The  cup  of  baptized  into  Jesus  Christ  were 
blessing  which    we   bless  is  it  baptized  into  his  death  ? 
not    the     communion    of    the  4.     Therefore    we  are    buried 
blood    of    Christ  ?    The  bread  with    him     by    baptism     into 
which  we  break,  is  it  not  the  death:  that  like  as  Christ 
communion     of    the    body     of  raised  up  from  the  dead  by  the 
Christ?    I    Cor.  xi.  25.     After  glory  of   the    I  ren   so 

ue  manner  also  he  took  ihould  walk  in  newness 

the  cup,  when  he  had  supped,  of  life.     1  Cor.  x.  16.  The  cup 

saying,  This  cup  is  the   New  of  blessing   which  we  bless,  is 

nent  in  my  blood:  This  it   not   the    communion  of  the 

ye  drink  it,  in  blood    of   Christ  ?    The    bread 

remembrance  of  me.  ver.  26.  which  we  break,   is  it  not  the 

For    as    often    as   ye   eat    this  communion    of     the    bodv    of 

bread,   and  drink  this  cup,  ye  Chr  But  were  all 

death   till  baptized    unto    Moses    in    the 
he  come.  id  and  in  the  sea. 


126  The  Confession  of  Faith. 

the  thing  signified ;  whence  it  comes  to  pass',  that 
the  names  and  effects  of  the  one,  are  attributed  to 
the  other  f. 

IIL  The  grace  which  is  exhibited  in,  or  by 
the  sacraments,  rightly  used,  is  not  conferred  by 
any  power  in  them  ;  neither  doth  the  efficacy  of 
a  sacrament  depend  upon  the  piety  or  intention  of 
him  that  doth  administer  its,  but  upon  the  work 
of  the  Spirit  h,  and  the  word  of  institution,  which 
contains,  together  with  a  precept  authorising  the 
use  thereof,  a  promise  of  benefit  to  worthy  re- 
ceivers *. 

IV.  There  be  only  two  sacraments  ordained 
by  Christ  our  Lord  in  the  gospel,  that  is  to  say, 

II.  f  Gen.  xv ii.  10.  This  is  even  baptism,  doth  also  now 
my  covenant,  which  ye  shall  save  us,  (not  the  putting  away 
keep  between  me  and  you,  and  of  the  filth  of  the  flesh,  but  the 
thy  seed  after  thee  :  Every  man  answer  of  a  good  conscience 
child  among  you,  shall  be  cir-  towards  God)  by  the  resurrec- 
camcised.     Matt.  xxvi.  27,  28.  tion  of  Jesus  Christ. 

And  he  took  the  cup,  and  gave  h  Matt.  iii.  11.  I  indeed  bap- 
thanks,  and  gave  it  to  them,  tize  you  with  water  unto  re- 
saying,  Drink  ye  all  of  it. — For  pentance,  but  he  that  cometh 
this  is  my  blood  of  the  New  after  me,  is  mightier  than  I, 
Testament  which  is  shed  for  whose  shoes  I  am  not  worthy 
many  for  the  remission  of  sins,  to  bear :  he  shall  baptize  you 
Tit.  iii.  5.  Not  by  works  of  with  the  Holy  Ghost  and  with 
righteousness,  which  we  have  fire.  1  Cor.  xii.  13.  For  by 
done,  but  according  to  his  mer-  one  Spirit  are  we  all  baptized 
cy  he  saved  us  by  the  washing  into  one  body,  whether  we  be 
of  regeneration,  "and  renewing  Jews  or  Gentiles,  whether  we 
of  the  Holy  Ghost.  be  bond  or.  free  ;  and  have  been 

III.  ?  Rom.  ii.  28,  29.  For  all  made  to  drink  into  one 
he  is  not  a  Jew,  which  is  one  Spirit. 

outwardly  :  neither  is  that  cir-       !  Matt.  xxvi.  27,  28.    See  in 

cumcision,  which    is   outward  letter  f.     Matt,  xxviii.  19.    See 

in  the  flesh  :   But  he  is  a  Jew  in  letter  b.  verse  20.    Teaching 

which    is  one    inwardly;    and  them    to    observe    all    things 

circumcision    is     that    of   the  whatsoever  1  have  commanded 

heart,  in  the  spirit,  and  not  in  you :  and  lo,  I  am  with  you  al- 

the  letter,  whose  praise  is  not  way,  even  to  the  end  of  the 

of  men,  but  of  God.     1  Pet.  iii.  world.    Amen. 
£1.  The  like  figure  whereunto, 


The   Confession  of  Faith. 


127 


baptism  and  the  supper  of  the  Lord :  neither  of 
which  may  be  dispensed  by  any,  but  by  a  minis- 
ter of  the  word,  lawfully  ordained  k. 

V.  The  sacraments  of  the  Old  Testament,  in 
regard  of  the  spiritual  things  thereby  signified  and 
exhibited,  were,  for  substance,  the  same  with 
those  of  the  New  '. 


IV.  k  Matt,  xxviii.  19.  Go 
ye  therefore  and  teach  all  na- 
tions, baptizing  them  in  the 
name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the 
Son,  aiul  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  1 
Cor.  xi.  20.  23.  When  ye  come 
together     therefore     into    one 

flace,  this  is  not  to  eat  the 
word's  Supper. — For  I  have 
received  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  that 
which  also  I  delivered  unto 
you,  that  the  Lord  Jesus,  the 
same  night  in  which  he  was 
betrayed  took  bread.  1  Cor. 
iv.  1.  Let  a  man  so  account  of 
us,  as  of  the  ministers  of  Christ, 
and  stewards  of  the  mysteries 
of  God.  Heb.  v.  4.  And  no 
man  taketh  this  honour  unto 
himself,  but  he  that  is  called  of 
God,  as  was  Aaron. 

V.  i  1  Cor.  x.  1,  2,  3,  4. 
More  thren,  I   would 


not  that  ye  should  be  ignorant, 
how  that  all  our  fathers  were 
under  the  cloud,  and  all  passed 
through  the  sea; — and  were 
all  baptized  unto  Mv-ses  in  the 
cloud  and  in  the  sea  : — And 
did  all  eat  the  same  spiri- 
tual     aieat ; and      did     all 

drink  live  same  spiritual  drink: 
(for  thty  drank  oi  that  spi- 
ritual rock  that  followed  them 
— and  that  rock  was  Christ) 
1  Cor.  v.  7,  8.  Purge  out 
therefore  the  old  leaven,  that 
ye  may  be  a  new  lump,  as  vc 
are  unleavened.  For  even 
Christ  our  passover  is  sacrificed 
for  us.  Therefore  let  us  keep 
the  feast,  not  with  old  leaven, 
neither  with  the  leaven  of  ma- 
lice and  wickedness  ;  but  with 
the  unleavened  bread  of 
eerily  and  truth. 


128  The  Confession  of  Faith.- 

CHAPTER  XXVIII. 
OF  BAPTISM. 

BAPTISM  is  a  sacrament  of  the  New  Testa- 
ment, ordained  by  Jesus  Christ a,  not  only 
for  the  solemn  admission  of  the  party  baptized 
into  the  visible  church b,  but  also  to  be  unto  him 
a  sign  and  seal  of  the  covenant  of  grace  %  of  his 
ingrafting  into  Christ d,  of  regeneration  e,  of  re- 
mission of  sins  f,  and  of  his  giving  up  unto  God, 
through  Jesus  Christ,  to  walk  in  newness  of  lifes  : 

I.  a  Matt,  xxviii.  19.    Go  ye  with  him  in  baptism,  wherein 

therefore  and  teach  all  nations  also  ye    are    risen    with    him, 

baptizing  them  in  the  name  of  through  the  faith  of  the  opera- 

the  Father,   and    of  the  Son,  tion  of  God,  who  hath  raised 

and  of  the  Holy  Ghost.     Matt,  him  from  the  dead, 

xvi.  16,  d  Gal.  iii.    17.    For  as  many 

b  1  Cor.  xii.  13.    For  by  one  of  yon  as  have   been  baptized 

Spirit  are  we  all  baptized  into  into  Christ,  have  put  on  Christ, 

one  body,  whether  roe  be  Jews  Rom.  vi.  5.    For  if  we  have 

or    Gentiles,    whether    we    be  been  planted    together  in  the 

bond  or  free  ;   and  have  been  likeness  of  his  death  ;  we  shall 

all  made  to  drink  into  one  Spi-  be  also  in   the  likeness  of  his 

rit.     Gal.  iii.  27,  28.  resurrection. 

c  Rom.  iv.  II.     And  he  re-  e  Tit  iii.  5.    He  saved  us  by 

ceived  the  sign  of  circumcision,  the    washing    of    regeneration, 

a  seal,  of  the  righteousness  of  and    renewing    of     the    Holy 

faith,  which  he  had  yet  being  Ghost. 

uncircumcised  :  that  he  might  f  Acts  ii.  38.  Peter  said,  Re- 
be  the  father  of  all  them  that  pent  and  be  baptized  every  one 
believe,  though  they  be  not  of  you  in  the  name  of  Jesus 
circumcised :  that  righteous-  Christ,  for  the  remission  of  sins, 
ness  might  be  imputed  unto  Mark  i.  4.  Acts  xxii.  16. 
them  also.  Compared  with  Col.  &  Rom.  vi.  3,  4.  Know  ye 
ii.  11,  12.  In  whom  also  ye  not,  that  so  many  of  us  as 
are  circumcised  with  the  cir-  were  baptized  into  Jesus  Christ 
cumcision  made  without  hands,  were  baptized  into  his  death  ? 
in  putting  off  the  body  of  the  Therefore  we  are  buried  with 
sins  of  the  flesh,  by  the  cir-  him  by  baptism  into  death : 
cumcision   of  Christ : — Buried  that  like  as  Christ  was  raised 


The  Confession  of  Faith. 


129 


which  sacrament  is,  by  Christ's  own  appointment, 
to  be  continued  in  his  church  until  the  end  of  the 
world  h. 

II.  The  outward  element  to  be  used  in  this  sa- 
crament is  water,  wherewith  the  party  is  to  be 
baptized  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the 
Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  by  a  minister  of  the 
gospel,  lawfully  called  thereunto l. 

III.  Dipping  of  the  person  into  the  water  is 
not  necessary  ;  but  baptism  is  rightly  administered 
by  pouring,  or  sprinkling  water,  upon  the  person  *• 

IV.  Not  only  those  that  do  actually  profess 
faith  in,  and  obedience  unto  Christ  \  but  also  the 


Up  from  the  dead  by  the  glory 
of  the  Father,  even  so  we  also 
should  walk  in  newness  of  life. 

b  Matt,  xxviii.  19,  20.  Go 
ye  therefore  and  teach  all  na- 
tions baptizing  them  in  the 
name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the 
Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost ; — 
teaching  them  to  observe  all 
things  whatsoever  I  have  com- 
manded you,  and  lo,  I  am  with 
you  alwiiy,  even  unto  the  end 
of  the  world. 

II.  '  Acts  x.  47.  Can  any 
man  forbid  water  that  these 
should  not  be  baptized,  v. 
have  received  the  Holy  Ghost? 
Acts  viii.  36.  38.  And  as  they 
went  on  their  way,  they  came 
unto  a  certain  water:  and  the 
eunuch  said,  See  here  is  water : 
what  doth  hinder  me  to  be  bap- 
tized ?  And  he  commanded  the 
t  to  stand  still :  and  they 
went  down  both  into  the  water, 
both  Philip  and  the  eunuch  ; 
and  he  baptized  him.  Matt, 
xxviii.  19.  Go  ye  therefore 
and  teach  all  nations,  baptizing 
them  in  the  name  of  the  Fa- 


ther, and  of  the  Son,  and  of 
the  Holy  Ghost. 

III.  k  Acts  ii.  41.  Then  they 
that  gladly  received  his  word, 
were  baptized :  and  the  same 

there  were  added  unto 
them  about  three  thousand  souls. 
Acts  xvi.  33.  And  he  took 
them  the  same  hour  of  the 
night,  and  washed  their  stripes, 
and  was  baptized,  he  and  all 
his  straightway.  Mark  vii.  4. 
And  when  they  come  from  the 
market,  except  they  wash,  (or 
be  baptized)  they  eat  not. 
And  many  other  things  there 

t.ich   they  have  received 
to  hold,  as  the  washing  (Greek 
baptizing)  of  cups  and  pots,  and 
of  brasen   vessels,   and  tal 
Heb.  ix.  10.  19,  20,  21. 

IV.  '  Mark  xvi.  15,  16.  And 
he  said  unto  them,  Go  ye 
into  all  the  world,  and  preach 
the  gospel  to  every  creature. 
He  that  believeth  and  is  bap- 
tized,   shall    be    saved.      Acts 

37.  And  Philip  said.  If 
thou  believest  with  all  thine 
heart,  thou  mayest.    And  he 


130 


The  Confession  of  Faith. 


infants  of  one  or  both  believing  parents  are  to  be 
baptized  m. 

V.  Although  it  be  a  great  sin  to  contemn  or 
neglect  this  ordinance D,  yet  grace  and  salvation 
are  not  so  inseparably  annexed  unto  it,  as  that  no 
person  can  be  regenerated  or  saved  without  it  °, 


answered  and  said,  I  believe 
that  Jesus  Christ  is  the  Son  of 
God. 

m  Gen.  xvii.  7.  9.  with  Gal. 
iii.  9.  14.  And  I  will  establish 
my  covenant  between  me  and 
thee,  and  thy  seed  after  thee, 
in  their  generations  for  an 
everlasting  covenant :  to  be  a 
God  unto  thee  and  to  thy  seed 
after  thee.  And  God  said  unto 
Abraham,  Thou  shalt  keep 
my  covenant  therefore,  thou, 
and  thy  seed  after  thee,  and 

their   generations. So    then 

they  which  be  of  faith,  are 
blessed  with  faithful  Abraham. 
That  the  blessing  of  Abraham 
might  come  on  the  Gentiles 
through  Jesus  Christ ;  that  we 
might  receive  the  promise  of 
the  Spirit  through  faith.  Col. 
ii  11,  12.  and  Rom.  iv.  11,  12. 
And  he  received  the  sign  of 
circumcision,  a  seal  of  the 
righteousness  of  the  faith 
which  he  had  yet  being  uncir- 
cumcised:  that  he  might  be 
the  father  of  all  them  that 
believe,  though  they  be  not 
circumcised;  that  righteous- 
ness might  be  imputed  unto 
them  also :  And  the  father 
of  circumcision  to  them  who 
are  not  of  the  circumcision 
only,  but  who  also  walk  in  the 
steps  of  that  faith,  of  our  father 
Abraham,  which  he  had  being 
yet  uncircumcised.  Acts  ii. 
38,  39.    Repent,  and  be  bap- 


tized every  one  of  you,  in  the 
name  of  Jesus  Christ,  for  the 
remission  of  sins,  and  ye  shall 
receive  the  gift  of  the  Holy 
Ghost.  For  the  promise  is 
unto  you,  and  to  your  children, 
and  to  all  that  are  afar  off, 
even  as  many  as  the  Lord  our 
God  shall  call.  Acts  xvi.  15. 
Lydia,  whose  heart  the  Lord 
touched,  and  her  household 
were  baptized.  Verse  33.  The 
Goaler  and  all  his  were  bap- 
tized. 1  Cor.  vii.  14  Matt, 
xxviii.  19.  Mark  x.  13,  14,  15, 
16.     Luke  xviii.  15. 

V.  n  Luke  vii.  30.  But  the 
Pharisees  and  lawyers  rejected 
the  counsel  of  God  against 
themselves,  being  not  baptized 
of  him.  Ex.  iv.  24,  25,  26. 
And  it  came  to  pass  by  the 
way  in  the  inn,  that  the  Lord 
met  him,  and  sought  to  kill 
him.  Then  Zipporah  took  a 
sharp  stone,  and  cut  off  the 
foreskin  of  her  son,  and  cast  it 
at  his  feet,  and  said,  Surely  a 
bloody  husband  art  thou  to  me. 
So  he  let  him  go :  then  she  said 
A  bloody  husband  thou  art>  be- 
cause of  the  circumcision. 

°  Rom.  iv.  11.  And  he  re- 
ceived the  sign  of  circumcision, 
a  seal  of  the  righteousness  of 
the  faith,  which  he  had  yet 
being  uncircumcised  :  that  he 
might  be  the  father  of  all  them 
that  believe,  though  they  be 
not  circumcised;  that  righte- 


The  Confession  of  Faith.  151 

or  that  all  that  are  baptized  are,  undoubtedly,  re- 
generated p. 

VI.  The  efficacy  of  baptism  is  not  tied  to  that 
moment  of  time  wherein  it  is  administered  q  ;  yet 
notwithstanding,  by  the  right  use  of  this  ordinance 
the  grace  promised  is  not  only  offered,  but  really 
exhibited  and  conferred  by  the  Holy  Ghost,  to 
such  (whether  of  age  or  infants)  as  that  grace  be- 
longeth  unto,  according  to  the  counsel  of  God's 
own  will,  in  his  appointed  time r. 

VII.  The  sacrament  of  baptism  is  but  once  to 
be  administered,  to  any  person  \ 

ousness  might  be  imputed  unto  whence  it  cometh,  and  whither 

them  also.    Acts  x.  2.  4.  22.  31.  it  goeth ;   so  is  every  one  thut 

45.  47.  is  born  of  the  Spirit. 

?   Acts    vih.    13.   23.     Then  r  Gal.  hi.  27.  For  as  many  of 

Simon   himself   believed    also:  you  as  have  been  baptized  into 

and  when  he  was  baptized,  he  Christ,    have    put    on    Christ, 

continued     with     Philip,     and  Eph.    v.    25,    26.     Christ    also 

wondered,  beholding  the  mira-  loved  the    church,    and    gave 

cles    and    signs     which    were  himself  for  it.    That  he  might 

done.— For    I    perceive    that  sanctify  and  cleanse  it  with  the 

thou  art  in  the  gall  of  bitter-  washing  of  water  by  the  word. 

;md  in   the  bond   of  ini-  Acts  ii.  38,  41. 

VII    ■   Tit    iii.    5.    Not   by 

VI.  '  John  iii.  5.  8.     Verily,  works  of  righteousness  whicii 

verily,  1  say  unto  thee,  Except  we  have  done,  but  according  to 

a  mail  be  born  of  water,  and  his  mercy,  he  saved  us,  by  the 

of  the  Spirit,  he  cannot  enter  washing  of   regeneration,    and 

into  the  kingdom  of  God.   The  renewing  of  the  Holy  Ghost 

wind  bloweth  where  it  listeth,  N.  B  There  is  no  command, 

"and    thou    nearest    the    sound  and  no  adequate  examp1 

>f,     but     canst    not    tell  the  repetition  of  bai 


132  The  Confession  of  Faith. 


CHAPTER  XXIX. 

OF  THE  LORD'S  SUPPER. 

OU  R  Lord  Jesus,  in  the  night  wherein  he 
was  betrayed,  instituted  the  sacrament  of 
his  body  and  blood,  called  the  Lord's  Supper,  to 
be  observed  in  his  church,  unto  the  end  of  the 
world,  for  the  perpetual  remembrance  of  the  sa- 
crifice of  himself  in  his  death,  the  sealing  all  be- 
nefits thereof  unto  true  believers,  their  spiritual 
nourishment  and  growth  in  him,  their  further  en- 
gagement in,  and  to  all  duties  which  they  owe 
unto  him,  and  to  be  a  bond  and  pledge  of  their 
communion  with  him,  and  with  each  other,  as 
members  of  his  mystical  body  a. 

II.  In  this  sacrament  Christ  is  not  offered  up 
to  his  Father,  nor  any  real  sacrifice  made  at  all 

I.  ■  1  Cor.  xi.  23,  24,  25,  26.  Cor.  x.  16,  17.  21.  The  cup 
For  I  have  received  of  the  of  blessing  which  ^re  bless,  is 
Lord,  that  which  also  I  deliver-  it  not  the  communion  of  the 
ed  unto  you,  That  the  Lord  blood  of  Christ  ?  The  bread 
Jesus,  the  same  night  in  which  which  we  break,  is  it  not  the 
he  was  betrayed  took  bread. —  communion  of  the  body  of 
And  when  he  had  given  thanks,  Christ?  For  we  being  many, 
he  brake  it  and  said,  Take,  are  one  bread,  and  one  body; 
eat ;  this  is  my  body  which  is  for  we  are  all  partakers  of  that 
broken  for  you ;  this  do  in  re-  one  bread.  Ye  cannot  drink  * 
membrance  of  me. — After  the  the  cup  of  the  Lord,  and  the 
same  manner  also  he  took  the  cup  of  deviis:  ye  cannot  be 
cup,  when  he  had  supped,  say-  partakers  of  the  Lord's  table, 
ing,  This  cup  is  the  New  Tes-  and  of  the  table  of  devils.  1 
tament  in  my  blood  :  this  do  Cor.  xii.  13.  For  by  one  Spirit 
ye,  as  oft  as  ye  drink  ity  in  re-  are  we  all  baptized  into  one 
membrance  of  me.  For  as  body,  whether  nve  be  Jews  or 
often  as  ye  eat  this  bread,  and  Gentiles,  whether  we  be  bond 
drink  this  cup,  ye  do  shew  the  or  free  ;  and  have  been  all 
Lord's  death  till  he  come.    1   made  to  drink  into  one  Spirit. 


The  Confession  of  Faith. 


133 


for  remission  of  sins  of  the  quick  or  dead  b,  but 
only  a  commemoration  of  that  once  offering  up 
of  himself,  by  himself,  upon  the  cross,  once  for 
all,  and  a  spiritual  oblation  of  ail  possible  praise 
unto  God  for  the  same  c ;  so  that  the  Popish  sa- 
crifice of  the  mass,  as  they  call  it,  is  most  abo- 
minably injurious  to  Christ's  one  only  sacrifice, 
the  alone  propitiation  for  all  the  sins  of  the  elect d. 
III.  The  Lord  Jesus  hath,  in  this  ordinance, 
appointed  his  ministers  to  declare  his  word  of  in- 
stitution to  the  people,  to  pray,  and  bless  the  ele- 


II.  b  Heb.  ix.  22.  25,  26.  And 
almost  all  things  are  by  the 
]  aw  purged  with  blood ;  and 
without  shedding  of  blood  is  no 
remission.  Nor  yet  that  he 
should  offer  himself  often,  as 
the  high  priest  entereth  into  the 
holy  place  every  year  with 
blood  of  others  :  (For  then  must 
he  often  have  suffered  since 
the  foundation  of  the  world) 
but  now  once  in  the  end  of  the 
world  hath  he  appeared  to  put 
away  sin  by  the  sacrifice  of  him* 
self,  verse  28.  So  Christ  was 
once  offered  to  bear  the  sins  of 
many  :  and  unto  them  that  look 
for  him,  shall  he  appear  the 
second  time  without  sin  unto 
salvation. 

c  Matt.  xxvi.  26,  27.  And  as 
they  were  eating,  Jesus  took 
bread,  and  blessed  it,  and 
brake  it,  and  gave  it  to  the  dis- 
ciples, and  said,  Take,  eat  ; 
this  is  my  body.  And  he  took 
the  cup,  and  gave  thanks,  and 
gave  it  to  them,  saying,  Drink 
ye  all  of  it.  Luke  xxii.  19,  20. 
And  he  took  bread,  and  gave 
thanks,  and  brake  *7,  and  gave 
unto  them,  saying,  This  is  my 


body  which  is  given  for  you : 
this  do  in  remembrance  ot  me. 
Likewise  also  the  cup  after 
supper,  saying.  This  cup  is  the 
New  Testament  in  my  blood, 
which  is  shed  for  von. 

d  Heb.  vii.  23,  24.  27.  And 
they  truly  were  many  priests, 
because  they  were  not  suffered 
to  continue  by  reason  of  death: 
But  this  man,  because  he  con- 
tinued! ever,  hath  an  unchange- 
able priesthood. Who  need- 

eth  not  daily,  as  those  high 
priests,  to  offer  up  sacrifice, 
first  for  Ins  own  sins  and  then 
for  the  people's  :  for  this  he 
did  once,  when  he  offered  up 
himself.  Heb.  x.  11,  12.  14. 
18.  And  every  priest  stand- 
eth  daily  ministering,  and  offer- 
ing oftentimes  the  same  sacri- 
fices, which  can  sever  take 
away  sins :  But  this  man,  after 
he  had  offered  one  sacrifice  for 
sins,  for  ever  sat  down  on 
the  right  hand  of  God.  For 
by  one  offering  he  hath  perfect- 
ed for  ever  them  that  are 
sanctified.  Now  where  remis- 
pf  these  is,  there  is  no 
more  offering  for  sin. 

M 


134  The  Confession  of  Faith. 

merits  of  bread  and. wine,  and  thereby  to  set  them 
apart  from  a  common,  to  an  holy  "use  ;  and  to 
take  and  break  the  bread,  to  take  the  cup,  and 
(they  communicating  also  themselves,)  to  give 
both  to  the  communicants  e ;  but  to  none  who  are 
not  then  present  in  the  congregation  f. 

IV.  Private  masses,  or  receiving  this  sacrament 
by  a  priest  or  any  other,  alone  s  ;  as  likewise  the 
denial  of  the  cup  to  the  people  h ;  worshipping 
the  elements,  the  lifting  them  up,  or  carrying  them 
about  for  adoration,  and  the  reserving  them  for 
any  pretended  religious  use;  are  all  contrary  to 
the  nature  of  this  sacrament,  and  to  the  institution 
of  Christ1. 

V.  The  outward  elements,  in  this  sacrament, 
duly  set  apart  to  the  uses  ordained  by  Christ,  have 
such  relation  to  him  crucified,  ''as  that  truly,  yet 
sacramentally  only,  they  are  sometimes  called  by 
the  name  of  the  things  they  represent,  to  wit,  the 
body  and  blood  of  Christ k  ;  albeit,  in  substance 

III.  e  See  the  institution.  See  all  the  places  in  which  the 
Matt.  xxvi.  26,  27,  28.  Mark  ordinance  is  mentioned — the 
xiv.  22,  23,  24.  Luke  xxii.  most  important  of  which  are 
19,  20.  and  1  Cor  xi.  23,  to  27.  cited  above. 

f  Acts  xx.  7.  And  upon  the  '  Matt.  xv.  9.  But  in  vain 
first  day  of  the  week,  when  the  they  do  worship  me,  teaching 
disciples  came  together  to  for  doctrines  the  command- 
break  bread,  Paul  preached  ments  of  men. 
unto  them,  ready  to  depart  on  V.  k  Matt.  xxvi.  26,  27,  28. 
the  morrow,  and  continued  his  And  as  they  were  eating  Jesus 
speech  until  midnight.  1  Cor.  took  bread,  and  blessed  it,  and 
xi.  20.  When  ye  come  tege-  brake  it,  and  gave  it  to  the 
ther  therefore  into  one  place,  disciples,  and  said,  Take,  eat; 
this  is  not  to  eat  the  Lord's  this  is  my  body.  And  he  took 
supper.  the  cup,  and  gave  thanks,  and 

IV.  £  h  Because  there  is  not  gave  it  to  them,  saying,  Drink 
the  least  appearance  of  a  war-  ye  all  of  it :  For  this  is  my 
rant  for  any  of  these  things,  blood  of  the  New  Testament 
either  in  precept  or  example,  which  is  shed  for  many  for  the 
in  any  part  of  the  word  of  GodC  remission  of  sins. 


The  Confession  of  Faith.  135 

and  Mature,    they  still   remain   truly,    and  only, 
bread  and  wine,  as  they  were  before  K 

VI.  That  doctrine  which  maintains  a  change 
of  the  substance  of  bread  and  wine,  into  the  sub- 
stance of  Christ's  body  and  blood  (commonly 
called  transubstantiation)  by  consecration  of  a 
priest,  or  by  any  other  way,  is  repugnant,  not  to 
scripture  alone,  but  even  to  common  sense  and 
reason  ;  overthroweth  the  nature  of  the  sacrament ; 
and  hath  been,  and  is  the  cause  of  manifold  su- 
perstitions, yea,  of  gross  idolatries  m. 

VII.  Worthy  receivers,  outwardly  partaking  of 
the  visible  elements  in  this  sacrament n,  do  then 
also  inwardly  by  faith,  really  and  indeed,  yet  not  car- 
nally and  corporally,  but  spiritually,  receive  and 
feed  upon  Christ  crucified,  and  all  benefits  of  his 
death :  the  body  and  blood  of  Christ  being  then 
not  corporally  or  carnally  in,  with,  or  under  the 
bread  and  wine  ;  yet  as  really,  but  spiritually, 
present  to  the  faith  of  believers  in  that  ordinance, 

1  1  Cor.  xi.  26,   27.     For  as  it  in  remembrance  of  me.    For 

often  as  ye  eat  this  bread  and  as  often  as   ye   eat  this  bread, 

drink  this  cup,  ye  do  shew  the  and  drink  this  cup,  ve  do  shew 

Lord's   death    until    lie   come,  the  Lord's  death  till  he  come. 

Wherefore,     whosoever    shall  Luke   xxiv.    6.  39.     He  is  not 

cat  this  bread,  and  drink  this  here,  but  is  risen:  Remember 

cup    of  the    Lord  unworthily,  how  he  spake  unto  vou  when 

shall  be  guilty  of  the  body  and  he  was  yet  in  Galilee'.     Behold 

blood  of  the  Lord.  mv  hands  and  my  feet,  that  it 

VI    -  Acts  iii.   21.    Whom  is   I  myself:   handle  me,   and 

the  heaven  rnu^t  receive,  until  see,  for  a  spirit  hath  not  flesh 

the  times  of  restitution  of  all  and  bones,  as  ye  see  me  have, 
tilings,  which  God  hath  spoken        VII.    ■    1    Cor.    > 

by  the   mouth  of  all   his  holy  let  a  man  examine  himself,  and 

prophets,     since     the     world  so  let  bin  read, 

began.     1  Cor.  xi.  24,  25.    This  and  drink  1  Cur. 

do    in    rememh.  me:  v.  7,  8. 

This  do  ye,  as  oft  as  ye  drink 


136 


The  Confession  of  Faith. 


as  the  elements  themselves  are,  to  their  outward 
senses0. 

VIII.  Although  ignorant  and  wicked  men  re- 
ceive  the  outward  elements  in  this  sacrament,  yet 
they  receive  not  the  thing  signified  thereby  ;  but 
by  their  unworthy  coming  thereunto  are  guilty  of 
the  body  and  blood  of  the  Lord,  to  their  own 
damnation.  Wherefore  all  ignorant  and  ungodly 
persons,  as  they  are  unfit  to  enjoy  communion 
with  him,  so  are  they  unworthy  of  the  Lord's  ta- 
ble, and  cannot,  without  great  sin  against  Christ, 
while  they  remain  such,  partake  of  these  holy  mys- 
teries p,  or  be  admitted  thereunto  % 


°  1  Cor.  x.  16.  The  cup  of 
blessing  which  we  bless,  is  it 
not  the  communion  of  the  blood 
of  Christ?  The  bread  which 
we  break,  is  it  not  the  commu- 
nion of  the  body  of  Christ  ?  1 
Cor.  x.  3,  4. 

Vill.  p  1  Cor.  xi.  27.  29. 
Wherefore,  whosoever  shall 
eat  this  bread,  and  drink  this 
cup  of  the  Lord  unworthily, 
shall  be  guilty  of  the  body  and 
blood  of  the  Lord.  For  he 
that  eateth  and  drinketh  un- 
worthily, eateth  and  drinketh 
damnation  (judgment)  to  him- 
self, not  discerning  the  Lord's 
body.  2  Cor.  vi.  14,  15,  16. 
Be  ye  not  unequally  yoked  to- 
gether with  unbelievers;  for 
what  fellowship  hath  righte- 
ousness with  unrighteousness? 
and  what  communion  hath 
light  with  darkness  ?  And  what 
concord  hath  Christ  with  Be- 
lial ?  or  what  part  hath  he  that 
believe th,  with  an  infidel  ?  And 
what  agreement  hath  the  tem- 
ple of  God  with  idols  ?  For  ye 
are  the  temple  of  the  living 


God ;  as  God  hath  said,  I  will 
dwell  in  them,  and  walk  in 
them  ;  and  1  will  be  their  God, 
and  they  shall  be  my  people. 

1  Cor.  x.  21.  Ye  cannot  drink 
the  cup  of  the  Lord,  and  the 
cup  of  devils,  ye  cannot  be  par- 
takers of  the  Lord's  table,  and 
of  the  table  of  devils. 

<3  1  Cor.  v.  6,  7,  13.  Your 
glorifying  is  not  good;  Know 
ye  not  that  a  little  leaven  lea- 
veneth  the  whole  lump  ?  Purge 
out  therefore  the  old  leaven, 
that  ye  may  be  a  new  lump, 
as  ye  are  unleavened.  For  even 
Christ  our  passover  is  sacrific- 
ed for  us.  But  them  that  are 
without,  God  judgeth.  There- 
fore put  away  from  among 
yourselves  that  wicked  person. 

2  Thess.  iii.  6.  14,  15.  Now 
we  command  you,  brethren,  in 
the  name  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  that  ye  withdraw  your- 
selves from  every  brother  that 
walketh  disorderly,  and  not 
after  the  tradition  which  he 
received  of  us.  And  if  any  man 
obey    not    our    word    by    this 


The  Confession  of  Faith. 


137 


epistle,  note  that  man,  and  have  holy  unto  the  dogs,  neither  cast 

no  company  with  hirn,  that  he  ye  your  pearls    before   swine, 

may   be    ashamed. — Yet  count  lest  they  trample  them  under 

him  not  as  an  enemy,  but  ad-  their  feet,  and  turn  again  and 

monish  him  as  a  brother.  Matt,  rend  you. 
vii.  6.     Give  not  that  which  is 


CHAFrER  XXX. 

OF  CHURCH  CENSURES. 


THE  Lord  Jesus,  as  king  and  head  of  his 
church,  hath  therein  appointed  a  govern- 
ment  in  the  hand  of  church-officers,  distinct  from 
the  civil  magistrate a. 

II.  To  these  officers  the  keys  of  the  kingdom 
of  heaven  are  committed,  by  virtue  whereof  they 
have  power  respectively  to  retain  and  remit  sins, 
to  shut  that  kingdom  against  the  impenitent,  both 
by  the  word  and  censures ;  and  to  open  it  unto 


I.  *  Is.  ix.  6,  7.  For  unto  us 
a  child  is  born,  unto  us  a  Son 
is  given,  and  the  government 
shall  be  upon  his  shoulder  :  and 
his  name  shall  be  called  Won- 
derful, Counsellor,  The  mighty 
God,  The  everlasting  Father, 
The  Prince  of  Peace..  Of  the 
increase  of  hfa  government  and 
peace,  there  shall  be  no  end, 
upon  the  throne  of  David,  and 
upon  his  kingdom,  to  order  it, 
and  to  establish  it  with  judg- 
ment and  with  justice  from 
henceforth  even  for  ever  ;  the 
zeal  of  the  Lord  of  hosts  will 
perform  this.     1    Tim.   v.   IT. 


Let  the  elders  that  rule  well, 
be  counted  worthy  of  double 
honour,  especially  they  who 
lab  jui*  in  the  word  and  doctrine. 
1  Thess.  v.  12.  And  we  be- 
seech you,  brethren,  to  know 
them  which  labour  among  you, 
and  are  over  you  in  the  Lord, 
and  admonish  you.  1  Cor.  xii. 
28.  And  God  hath  set  some 
in  the  church,  first,  apostles, 
secondarily,  prophets,  thirdly, 
teachers,  after  that  miracles, 
then  gifts  of  healings,  helps, 
governments,  diversities  of 
tongues.  Ps.  ii.  6,  7y  8,  9. 
John  xviii,  36. 
M  2 


138  The  Confession  of  Faith. 

penitent  sinners,  by  the  ministry  of  the  gospel, 
and  by  absolution  from  censures,  as  occasion  shall 
require  b. 

III.  Church  censures  are  necessary  for  the  re- 
claiming and  gaining  of  offending  brethren ;  for 
deterring  of  others  from  like  offences ;  for  purg- 
ing out  of  that  leaven  which  might  infect  the 
whole  lump  ;  for  vindicating  the  honour  of  Christ, 
and  the  holy  profession  of  the  gospel ;  and  for 
preventing  the  wrath  of  God,  which  might  justly 
fall  upon  the  church,  if  they  should  suffer  this  co- 
venant, and  the  seals  thereof,  to  be  profaned  by 
notorious  and  obstinate  offenders c. 

II.  b  Matt.  xvi.  19.  And  I  such  a  man  fa  this  punishment, 
will  give  unto  thee  the  keys  of  which  tjus  inflicted  of  many, 
the  kingdom  of  heaven :  and  so  that  contrariwise,  ye  ought 
whatsoever  thou  shalt  bind  en  rather  to  forgive  him,  and 
earth,  shall  be  bound  in  heaven:  comfort  him,  lest  perhaps  such 
and  whatsoever  thou  shalt  loose  an  one  should  be  swallowed  up 
on  earth,  shall  be  loosed  in  with  over  much  sorrow, 
heaven.  Matt,  xviii.  17,  18.  Wherefore  I  beseech  you,  that 
And  if  he.  shall  neglect  to  hear  you  would  eonfirm  your  love 
them,  tell  it  unto  the  church;  towards  him. 
but  if  he  neglect  to  hear  the  III.  c  1  Cor.  5th  chapter 
church,  let  him  be  unto  thee  as  throughout.  1  Tim.  v.  10. 
an  heathen  man  and  a  publican.  "Them  that  sin,  rebuke  before 
— Verily  I  say  unto  you,  what-  all,  that  others  also  may  fear, 
soever  ye  shall  bind  on  earth,  Matt.  vii.  6.  Give  not  that 
shall  be  bound  in  heaven :  and  which  is  holy  unto  the  dogs, 
whatsoever  ye  shall  loose  on  neither  cast  ye  your  pearls *be- 
earth  shall  be  loosed  in  heaven,  fore  swine,  lest  they  trample 
John  xx.  21,  22,  23.  Then  said  them  under  their  feet,  and  turn 
Jesus  to  them  again,  Peace  be  again  and  rend  you.  1  Tim.  i. 
unto  you,  as  my  Father  hath  20.  Of  whom  is  Hymeneus  and 
sent  me,  even  so  send  I  you.  Alexander,  whom  I  have  de- 
— And  when  he  had  said  this,  livered  unto  Satan,  that  they 
he  breathed  on  them,  and  saith  may  learn  not  to  blaspheme, 
unto  them,  Receive  ye  the  Jude  verse  23.  And  others 
Holy  Ghost.  Whose  soever  save  with  fear,  pulling  them 
sins  ye  remit,  they  are  remitted  out  of  the  iire  ;  hating  even 
unto  them :  and  whosesoever  the  garments  spotted  by  the 
sins  ye  retain  they  are  retained,  flesh.  1  Cor.  xi.  27  to  the 
2  Cor.  ii.  6,  7,  8.    Sufficient  to  end. 


The  Confession  of  Faith.  139 

IV.  For  the  better  attaining  of  these  ends,  the 
officers  of  the  church  are  to  proceed  by  admoni- 
tion, suspension  from  the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's 
supper  for  a  season,  and  by  excommunication 
from  the  church,  according  to  the  nature  of  the 
crime,  and  demerit  of  the  person d. 

IV.  d  1  Thess.   v.   12.     And  with    him,    that    he    may    be 

we  beseech  you,   brethren,  to  ashamed.     1   Cor.  v.  4,  5.   15. 

know  them  which  labour  among  In  the  name  of  our  Lord  Jesus 

you,  and  are  over  you  in  the  Christ,  when  ye   are  gathered 

Lord,    and    admonish   you.     2  together,  and    my   spirit,  with 

Thess.  iii.  6.  14.  Now  we  com-  the   power  of  our  Lord  Jesus 

mand    you,    brethren,    in    the  Christ,  to  deliver  such  an  one 

name  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  unto  Satan,  for  the  destruction 

that    ye    withdraw    yourselves  of  the  flesh,  that  the  spirit  may 

from  every  brother  that  walketh  be   saved    in    the    day   cf   the 

disorderly,   and  not  after  the  Lord    Jesus.      Therefore    put 

tradition  which  he  received  of  away  from    among    yourselves 

us.     And  if  any  man  obey  not  that    wicked    person.       ?Tlatt 

our  word  by  this  epistle,   note  xviii.  17.     Tit.  iii.  10. 
that  man,  and  have  no  company 


CHAPTER  XXXL 

OF  SYNODS  AND  COUNCILS. 

FOR  the  better  government  and  further  edifi- 
cation of  the  church,  there  ought  to  be  such 
assemblies  as  are  commonly  called  synods  or 
councils  ■ :  and  it  belongeth  to  the  overseers  and 

I.  a  Acts  xv.  2.  4.  6.     When   lem,    unto    the     apostles    and 

therefore    Paul    and    Barnabas   elders  about  this  question • 

had  no  small  dissention  and  dis-  And  when  they  were  come  to 
putation  with  them,  they  de-  Jerusalem,  tlvey  were  received 
termined  that  Paul  and  Bar-  of  the  church,  and  of  the  apos- 
nabas,  and  certain  other  of  ties  and  elders  ;  and  they  de- 
them,  should  go  up  to  Jerusa-   dared  all  things  that  God  had 


1'40  The  Confession  of  Faith. 

other  rulers  of  the  particular  churches,  by  virtue 
of  their  office,  and  the  power  which  Christ  hath 
given  them  for  edification,  and  not  for  destruction, 
to  appoint  such  assemblies  b ;  and  to  convene  to- 
gether in  thenvas  often  as  they  shall  judge  it  ex- 
pedient for  the  good  of  the  church  c. 

II.  It  belongeth  to  synods  and  councils,  mi- 
nisterially, to  determine  controversies  of  faith,  and 
cases  of  conscience  ;  to  set  down  rules  and  direc- 
tions for  the  better  ordering  of  the  public  worship 
of  God,  and  government  of  his  church ;  to  receive 
complaints  in  cases  of  mal- administration,  and  au- 
thoritatively to  determine  the  same  :  which  de- 
crees and  determinations,  if  consonant  to  the  word 
of  God,  are  to  be  received  with  reverence  and 
submission,  not  only  for  their  agreement  with  the 
word,  but  also  for  the  power  whereby  they  are 
made,  as  being  an  ordinance  of  God,  appointed 
thereunto  in  his  wordd. 

III.  All  synods  or  councils  since  the  apostles* 
times,  whether  general  or  particular,  may  err,  and 
many  have  erred ;  therefore  they  are  not  to  be 

done  with  them.  And  the  unto  the  brethren  which  are  of 
apostles  and  elders  came  toge-  the  Gentiles  m  Antioch,  and 
gether,  for  to  consider  of  this  Syria,  and  Cilicia.  It  seemed 
matter.  good  unto  us,  being  assembled 
b  15  chap.  Acts.  with  one  accord,  to  send  chosen 
c  Acts  xv.  22,  23.  25.  Then  men  unto  you  with  our  beloved 
pleased  it  the  apostles  and  el-  Barnabas  and  Paul, 
ders,  with  the  whole  church,  II.  d  Acts  xvi.  4.  And  as 
to  send  chosen  men  of  their  they  went  through  the  cities- 
own  company  to  Antioch  with  they  delivered  them  the  de- 
Paul  and  Barnabas  namely,  crees  for  to  keep,  that  were 
Judas  surnamed  Barsabas,  and  ordained  of  the  apostles  and 
Silas,  chief  men  among  the  elders  which  were  at  Jerusa- 
brethren: — And  they  wrote  lem  Acts  xv.  15.  19.  24.  27, 
letters  by  them  after  this  man-  28,  29,  30>  31.  Matt,  xviii.  17, 
ner,  The  apostles,  and  elders,  Id,  19,  20. 
and    brethren    send   greeting 


The  Confession  of  Faith.  141 

made  the  rule  of  faith  or  practice,  but  to  be  used 
as  an  help  in  both e. 

IV.  Synods  and  councils  are  to  handle  or  con- 
clude nothing,  but  that  which  is  ecclesiastical : 
and  are  not  to  intermeddle  with  civil  affairs,  which 
concern  the  commonwealth,  unless  by  way  of 
humble  petition,  in  cases  extraordinary  ;  or  by 
way  of  advice  for  satisfaction  of  conscience,  if 
they  be  thereunto  required  by  the  civil  magistrate f. 

III.  e  Acts  xvii.  11.     These  one  of  the  company  said  unto 

were   more   noble   than   those  him,  Master,  speak  to  my  bro- 

in  Thessalonica  in  that  they  re-  ther,  that  he  divide  the  inhe- 

ceived  the  word  with   all  re  a-  ritance    with    me.       And    he 

diness   of  mind,  and  searched  said  unto  him,  Man,  who  made 

the   scriptures    daily,  whether  me  a  judge,  or  a  divider  over 

those  things  were  so.     1  Cor.  you  ?  John  xviii.  36.     Jesus  an- 

ii.  5.    That  your  faith  should  swered,  My  kingdom  is  not  of 

not   stand    in    the    wisdom    of  this   world.      If  my    kingdom 

men,  but  in  the  power  of  God.  were  of  this  world,  then  would 

2  Cor.  i.  24.    Not  that  we  have  my  servants  fight,  that  I  should 

dominion  over  your  faith,  but  not  be  delivered  to  the  Jews : 

are  helpers   of  your  joy  ;  for  but  now  is    my  kingdom  not 

by  faith  ye  stand.     Eph.'ii.  20.  from  hence? 
'  IV.  ■  Luke  xii.  13, 14.    And  • 


CHAPTER  XXXII. 

OF  THE  STATE  OF  MAN  AFTER  DEATH,  AND  OF 
THE  RESURRECTION  FROM  THE  DEAD. 


T 


HE  bodies  of  men,  after  death,  return  to 
dust,  and  see  corruption  »  ;  but  their  souls, 

I.  a  Gen.  iii.  19.  In  the  sweat  the  ground  :  for  out  of  it  wast 
of  thy  face  shalt  thou  eat  thou  taken :  for  dust  thou  arc, 
bread,   till    thou    return    unto  and  unto  dust  shalt  thou  return. 


142 


The  Confession  of  Faith. 


(which  neither  die  nor  sleep)  having  an  immortal 
subsistence,  immediately  return  to  God  who  gave 
them b.  The  souls  of  the  righteous,  being  then 
made  perfect  in  holiness,  are  received  into  the 
highest  heavens,  where  they  behold  the  face  of 
God  in  light  and  glory,  waiting  for  the  full  re- 
demption of  their  bodies c  :  And  the  souls  of  the 
wicked  are  cast  into  hell,  where  they  remain  in 
torments,  and  utter  darkness,  reserved  to  the 
judgment  of  the  great  dayd.  Besides  these  two 
places  for  souls  separated  from  their  bodies,  the 
scripture  acknowledgeth  none. 

II.  At  the  last  day,  such  as  are  found  alive  shall 
not  die,  but  be  changed  e :  And  all  the  dead  shall 


Acts  xiii.  36.  For  David  after 
he  had  served  his  own  genera- 
tion by  the  will  of  God,  fell  on 
sleep,  and  was  laid  unto  his  fa- 
thers, and  saw  corruption. 

b  Luke  xxiii  43.  And  Jesus 
said  unto  him,  \^rily  1  say  un- 
to thee,  To-day*shalt  thou  be 
with  me  in  paradise.  Ec.  xii.  7. 
Then  shall  the  dust  return  to 
the  earth  as  it  was:  and  the 
spirit  shall  return  unto  God 
who  gave  it. 

c  Heb.  xii.  23.  To  the  gene- 
ral assembly  and  church  of  the 
first-born  which  are  written  in 
heaven,  and  to  God  the  judge  of 
all,  and  to  the  spirits  of  just  men 
made  perfect.  Phil.  i.  23.  For 
I  am  in  a  strait,  betwixt  two, 
having  a  desire  to  depart,  and 
to  be  with  Christ,  which  is  far 
better.  1  John  iii.  2.  Beloved, 
now  are  we  the  sons  of  God, 
and  it  doth  not  yet  appear  what 
we  shall  be :  but  we  know, 
that  when  he  shall  appear,  we 
shall  be  like  him ;  for  we  shall 


see  him  as  he  is.    2  Cor.  v.  1. 
6.  8. 

d  Luke  xvi.  23,  24.  And  in 
hell  he  lift  up  his  eyes,  being 
in  torments,  and  seeth  Abra- 
ham afar  off,  and  Lazarus  in 
his  bosom.  And  he  cried,  and 
said  ;  Father  Abraham,  have 
mercy  on  me,  and  send  Lazarus 
that  he  may  dip  the  tip  of  his 
finger  in  water  and  cool  my 
tongue,  for  I  am  tormented  in 
this  flame.     Jude  verse  6,  7. 

II.  e  1  Thess.  iv.  17.  Then 
we  which  are  alive  and  remain, 
shall  be  caught  up  together 
with  them  in  the  clouds,  to 
meet  the  Lord  in  the  air  :  and 
so  shall  we  ever  be  with  the 
Lord.  1  Cor.  xv.  51,  52.  Be- 
hold I  shew  you  a  mystery; 
We  shall  not  all  sleep,  but  we 
shall  all  be  changed  in  a  mo- 
ment, in  the  twinkling  of  an 
eye,  at  the  last  trump,  (for  the 
trumpet  shall  sound)  and  the 
dead  shall  be  raised  incorrupti 
ble,  and  we  shall  be  changed. 


The  Confession  of  Faith.  143 

be  raised  up  with  the  self- same  bodies,  and  none 
other,  although  with  different  qualities,  which  shall 
be  united  again  to  their  souls  for  everf. 

III.  The  bodies  of  the  unjust  shall,  by  the 
power  of  Christ,  be  raised  to  dishonour ;  the  bo- 
dies of  the  just,  by  his  Spirit,  unto  honour,  and  be 
made  conformable  to  his  own  glorious  body  e. 

f  Job  xix.  26,  27.  And  have  hope  towards  God,  which 
though  after  my  skin,  ivorrjis  they  themselves  also  allow, 
destroy  this  bodu^  yet  in  my  that  there  shall  be  a  resurrec- 
flesh  shall  I  see  God :  Whom  I  tion  of  the  dead,  both  of  the 
shall  see  for  myself,  and  mine  just  and  unjust.  John  v.  28, 
eyes  shall  behold,  and  not  ano-  29.  Marvel  not  at  this :  for 
ther;  tho ugh  my  reins  be  con-  the  hour  is  coming,  in  the 
sumed  within  me.  1  Cor.  xv.  which  all  that  are  in  the  graves 
42,  43,  44.  So  also  is  the  re-  shall  hear  his  voice,  and  shall 
surrection  of  the  dead.  It  is  come  forth  ;  they  that  have 
sown  in  corruption,  it  is  raised  done  good,  unto  the  resurrec- 
in  incorruption :  It  is  sown  in  tion  of  life ;  and  they  that 
dishonour,  it  is  raised  in  glory :  have  done  evil,  unto  the  resur- 
It  is  sown  in  weakness,  it  is  rection  of  damnation.  Phil.  iii. 
raised  in  power:  It  is  sown  a  21.  Who  shall  change  our 
natural  body,  it  is  raised  a  spi-  vile  body,  that  it  may  be  fash- 
ritual  body.  There  is  a  natural  ioned  like  unto  his  glorious 
body,  and  there  is  a  spiritual  body,  according  to  the  working 

wherebv  he  is  able  even  tosub- 

III.    g   Acts  xxiv.    15.     And  due  all  things  unto  himself. 


CHAPTER  XXXIII. 

OF  THE  LAST  JUDGMENT. 

C^  O  D  hath  appointed  a  day,  wherein  he  will 
U~  judge  the  world  in  righteousness  by  Ji 

Christ  l,  to  whom  all  power  and  judgment  is  given 

I.    *  Acts  xvii.  .use    which  he  will  judge  the  i 

ipointed  a  day  in  the   in   righteousness,  by  that  man 


144  The  Confession  of  Faith. 

of  the  Father b.  In  which  day,  not  only  the 
apostate  angels  shall  be  judged  c ;  but  likewise  all 
persons  that  have  lived  upon  earth,  shall  appear 
before  the  tribunal  of  Christ,  to  give  an  account 
of  their  thoughts,  words  and  deeds  ;  and  to  receive 
according  to  what  they  have  done  in  the  body, 
whether  good  or  evil d. 

II.  The  end  of  God's  appointing  this  day  is 
for  the  manifestation  of  the  glory  of  his  mercy, 
in  the  eternal  salvation  of  the  elect e ;  and  of  his 
justice,  in  the  damnation  of  the  reprobate,  who 

whom  he  hath  ordained ;  or  bad.  Ec.  xii.  14.  For  God 
whereof  he  hath  given  assur-  shall  bring  every  work  into 
ance  unto  all  men,  in  that  he  judgment  with  every  secret 
hath  raised  him  from  the  dead,   thing,  whether  it  be  good,  or 

b  John  v.  22.  27.  For  the  whether  it  be  evil.  Rom.  ii.  16. 
Father  judgeth  no  man ;  but  In  the  day  when  God  shall 
hath  committed  all  judgment  judge  the  secrets  of  men  by 
unto  the  Son; — And  hath  given  Jesus  Christ,  according  to  my 
him  authority  to  execute  judg-  gospel.  Rom.  xiv.  10.  12.  But 
ment  also,  because  he  is  the  why  dost  thou  judge  thy  bro- 
Son  of  man.  ther  ?  or  why  dost  thou  set  at 

c  1  Cor.  vi.  3.  Know  ye  not  nought  thy  brother'?  for  we 
that  we  shall  judge  angels  ?  shall  all  stand  before  the  judg- 
How  much  more,  things  that  ment  seat  of  Christ.  So  then 
pertain  to  this  life?  Jude  verse  every  one  of  us  shall  give  ac- 
6.  And  the  angels  which  kept  count  of  himself  to  God.  Matt, 
not  their  first  estate,  but  left  xii.  36,  37.  But  1  say  unto  you, 
their  own  habitation,  he  hath  that  every  idle  word  that  men 
reserved  in  everlasting  chains  shall  speak,  they  shall  give 
under  darkness,  unto  the  judg-  account  thereof  in  the  day  of 
ment  of  the  great  day.  2  Pet.  judgment.  For  by  thy  words 
ii.  4.  For  if  God  spared  not  thou  shalt  be  justified,  and  by 
the  angels  that  sinned,  but  cast  thy  words  thou  shalt  be  con- 
Mem  down  to  hell,  and  deliver-   demned. 

ed  them  into  chains  of  dark-  II.  e  Rom.  ix.  23.  And  that 
ness,  to  be  reserved  unto  judg-  he  might  make  known  the 
ment.  riches  of  his  glory  on  the  vessels 

d  2  Cor.  v.  10.  For  we  must  of  mercy,  which  he  had  afore 
all  appear  before  the  judgment  prepared  unto  glory.  Matt, 
seat  of  Christ,  that  every  one  xxv.  21.  His  Lord  said  unto 
may  receive  the  things  done  in  him,  Well  done  thou  good  and 
his  body,  according  to  that  he  faithful  servant;  thou  hast  been 
hath  done,  whetheF  jt  be  good  faithful  over  a  few  things,  I 


The  Confession  of  Faith. 


145 


are  wicked  and  disobedient f.  For  then  shall  the 
righteous  go  into  everlasting  life,  and  receive  that 
fulness  of  joy  and  refreshing  which  shall  come 
from  the  presence  of  the  Lord g :  But  the  wicked, 
who  knowr  not  God,  and  obey  not  the  gospel  of 
Jesus  Christ,  shall  be  cast  into  eternal  torments, 
and  be  punished  with  everlasting  destruction  from 
the  presence  of  the  Lord,  and  from  the  glory  of 
his  power  b. 

III.  As  Christ  would  have  us  to  be  certainly 
persuaded  that  there  shall  be  a  day  of  judgment, 
both  to  deter  all  men  from  sin,  and  for  the  greater 
consolation  of  the  godly  in  their  adversity i :  So 


will  make  thee  ruler  over  many 
things,  enter  thou  into  the  joy 
of  thy  Lord. 

f  Rom.  ii.  5,  6.  But  after 
thy  hardness  and  impenitent 
heart,  treasurest  up  unto  thy- 
self wrath  against  the  day  of 
wrath,  and  revelation  of  the 
righteous  judgment  of  God ; 
who  will  render  to  every  man 
according  to  his  deeds.  2 
Thess.  i  7,  8.  The  Lord  Jesus 
shall  be  revealed  from  heaven 
with  his  mighty  angels,  in 
flaming  fire,  taking  vengeance 
on  them  that  know  not  God, 
and  that  obey  not  the  gospel  of 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Rom. 
ix.  22. 

«  Matt.  xxv.  31,  32,  33,  34. 
When  the  Son  of  man  shall 
come  in  his  glory,  and  all  the 
holy  angels  with  him,  then 
shall  he  sit  upon  the  throne  of 
his  glory.  And  before  him 
shall  be  gathered  all  nations: 
and  he  shall  separate  them  one 
from  the  other,  as  a  shepherd 
iivideth  hi  a  sheep  from  the 
■joats:  And  he    shall   set  the 


sheep  on  his  right  hand,  but 
the  goats  on  the  left.  Then 
shall  the  King  say  unto  them 
on  his  right  hand,  Come  ye 
blessed  of  my  Father,  inherit 
the  kingdom  prepared  for  you 
from  the  foundation  of  the 
world.  Acts  iii.  19.  Times  of 
refreshing  shall  come  from  the 
presence  of  the  Lord.  2  Thess. 
i.  7.  And  to  you  who  are 
troubled,  rest  with  us,  when 
the  Lord  Jesus  shall  be  revealed 
from  heaven,  with  his  mighty 
angels 

h  Matt.  xxv.  41.  46  Then 
shall  he  say  also  unto  them  on 
the  left  hand,  Depart  from  me, 
ye  cursed,  into  everlasting  fire, 
prepared  for  the  devil  and  his 
angels.  And  these  shall  go  away 
into  everlasting  punishment.  2 
Thess  i.  9.  Who  shall  be  pu- 
nished with  everlasting  destruc- 
tion from  the  presence  of  the 
Lord,  and  from  the  glory  of 
hb power  Is.  lxvi.  24.  For  their 
■v.".  .n  shall  n' t  die,  neither 
shall  their  fire  be  quenched. 

111.  *  2  Pet.  iii.  11.11.  Seeing 

N 


146  The  Confession  of  Faith. 

will  he  have  that  day  unknown  to  men,  that  they 
may  shake  off  all  carnal  security,  and  be  always 
watchful,  because  they  know  not  at  what  hour  the 
Lord  will  come ;  and  may  be  ever  prepared  to 
say,  Come,  Lord  Jesus,  come  quickly  k.    Amen. 

then  that  all  these  things  shall  man  coming  in  a  cloud  with 
be  dissolved,  what  manner  of  power  and  great  glory.  And 
persons  ought  ye  to  be  in  all  when  these  things  begin  to  come 
holy  conversation  and  godliness?  to  pass,  then  look  up,  and  lift 
Wherefore,  beloved,  seeing  up  your  heads ;  for  your  re- 
that  ye  look  for  such  things,  demption  draweth  nigh. 
be  diligent  that  ye  may  be  k  See  Matt.  xxiv.  36.  42,  43, 
found  of  him  in  peace,  without  44.  Mark  xiii.  35,  36,  37. 
spot  and  blameless.  2  Cor.  v.  Watch  ye  therefore,  for  ye 
11.  Knowing  therefore  the  know  not  when  the  master  of 
terror  of  the  Lord,  we  per-  the  house  cometh ;  at  even,  or 
suade  men ;  but  we  are  made  at  midnight,  or  at  the  cock- 
manifest  unto  God,  and  1  trust  crowing,  or  in  the  morning ; 
also,  are  made  manifest  in  lest  coming  suddenly,  he  find 
your  consciences.  2  Thess.  i.  you  sleeping  — And  what  I  say 
5,  6,  7.  Which  is  a  manifest  unto  you,  I  say  unto  all,  Watch, 
token  of  the  righteous  judg-  Luke  xii.  35 ',  36.  Let  your 
ment  of  God ;  that  ye  may  be  loins  be  girded  about,  and 
counted  worthy  of  the  kingdom  your  lights  burning ;  and  ye 
of  God,  for  which  ye  also  suf-  yourselves  like  unto  men  that 
fer  :  Seeing  it  is  a  righteous  wait  for  their  Lord,  when  he 
thing  with  God  to  recompense  will  return  from  the  wedding, 
tribulation  to  them  that  trou-  that  when  he  cometh  and 
ble  you  ; — And  to  you  who  an*  knocketh,  they  may  open  unto 
troubled,  rest  with  us,  when  him  immediately.  Rev.  xxii. 
the  Lord  Jesus  shall  be  reveal-  20.  He  which  testifieth  these 
ed  from  heaven  with  his  mighty  things  saith,  Surely  I  come 
angels.  Luke  xxi.  27,  28  And  quickly.  Amen.  Even  so  come 
then  shall  they  see  the  Son  of  Lord  Jesus. 


FINIS, 


THE 


LARGER  CATECHISM, 


RATIFIED  AND  ADOPTED 


BY   THE 


SYNOD 


OF 


NEW-YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA. 


Held  at  Philadelphia,  May  the  16th,  1788,  and  continued  by 
Adjournments  until  the  28th  of  the  same. 

riIIL*ZDELPHIJl 

PRINTED    FOR    iKTD    PUBLISHED    BY    W.    W.    WOODWARD, 
WO.    52,    SOUTH    SKCOND   STREET. 


Griggs  er  Diekiiunns.  Printers. 

1815. 


i 


THE 


LARGER  CATECHISM. 


Question  1.  Jf^HAT  is  the  chief  and  highest  end 
of  man  ? 
Answer.  Man's  chief  and  highest  end  is  to  glo- 
rify God  %  and  fully  to  enjoy  him  for  ever b. 

Q.  2.  How  doth  it  appear  that  there  is  a  God? 

A.  The  very  light  of  nature  in  man,  and  the 
works  of  God  declare  plainly  that  there  is  a 
God  c ;  but  his  word  and  Spirit  only  do,  suffici- 
ently and  effectually,  reveal  him  unto  men  for 
their  salvation d. 


a  Rom.  xi.  36.  For  of  him, 
and  through  him,  and  to  him 
are  all  things :  to  whom  be  glo- 
ry for  ever.  Amen.  1  Cor. 
x.  31.  Whether  therefore  ye 
eat  or  drink,  or  whatsoever  ye 
do,  do  all  to  the  glory  of  God 

b  Ps.  lxxiii.  24,  25,  26.  Thou 
shalt  guide  me  with  thy  coun- 
sel, and  afterwards  receive  me 
to  glory.  Whom  have  1  in 
heaven  but  thee  ?  and  there  is 
none  upon  earth  that  I  desire 
besides  thee.  My  flesh  and  my 
heart  faileth :  but  God  is  the 
strength  of  my  heart,  and  my 
portion  for  ever.  John  xvi 
and  24  The  glory  which  thou 
gavest  me,  1  have  given  them. 
Father  1  will  that  they 
whom  thou  hast  given  me  be 
with  me  where  I  am  ;  that  they 


may  behold  my  glory  which 
thou  hast  given  me. 

c  Kom.  i.  19,  20  Because 
that  which  may  be  known  of 
God,  is  manifest  in  them  ;  fof 
God  hath  shewed  it  unto  them. 
For  the  invisible  things  of  him 
from  the  creation  of  the  world 
are  clearly  seen,  being  under- 
stood by  the  things  that  are 
made,  even  his  eternal  power 
and  Godhead,  so  that  they  are 
without  excuse.  See  also  Ps. 
xix.  1,  2,  3. 

d  2  Tim.  iii.  15,  16,  17.  And 
that  from  a  child  thou  hast 
known  the  holy  sciiptures, 
which  are  able  to  make  thee 
into  salvation,  through 
faith  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus. 
All  scripture  is  given  by  inspi- 
ration of  God,  and  w  profitable 

N2 


150  The  Larger  Catechism. 

Q.  3.  What  is  the  word  of  God? 

A.  The  holy  scriptures  of  the  Old  and  New 
Testament  are  the  word  of  God  %  the  only  rule 
of  faith  and  obedience f. 

Q.  4.  How  doth  it  appear  that  the  scriptures 
are  the  word  of  God  ? 

A.  The  scriptures  manifest  themselves  to  be 
the  word  of  God,  by  their  majesty  s  and  purity  h  ; 
by  the  consent  of  all  the  parts  \  and  the  scope  of 

for  doctrine,   for   reproof,   for  from  heaven,  preach  any  other 

correction,    for    instruction    in  gospel    unto     you    than    that 

righteousness :  that  the  man  of  which  we  have  preached  unto 

God  may  be  perfect,  thoroughly  you,  let  him  be  accursed.     As 

furnished  unto  all  good  works,  we  said  before,  so  say  I  now 

1  Cor.  ii.  10.  again,  If  any  man  preach  any 
e  2  Tim.  iii.  16.  All  scripture  other  gospel  unto  you  than  that 

it  given  by  inspiration  of  God*  ye  have  received,  let  him  be 

2  Pet.  i.  19,  20,  21.  We  have  accursed.  See  also  2  Tim.  iii. 
also  a  more  sure  word  of  pro-    15,  16,  17. 

phecy ;  whereunto  ye  do  well  s  Is.  Ixvi.  1.  Thus  saith  the 
that  ye  take  heed,  as  unto  a  Lord,  The  heaven  is  my  throne, 
light  that  shineth  in  a  dark  and  the  earth  is  my  footstool : 
place,  until  the  day  dawn,  and  where  is  the  house  that  ye 
the  day-star  arise  in  >  your  build  unto  me  ?  and  where  is 
hearts.  Knowing  this  first,  the  place  of  my  rest  ?  See 
that  no  prophecy  of  the  scrip-  also  Amos  ix.  2,  3,  4.  Ps.  lxxvii. 
ture  is  of  any  private  inter-  h  Ps.  xii.  6.  The  words  of 
pretation.  For  the  prophecy  the  Lord  are  pure  words:  as 
came  not  in  old  time  by  the  silver  tried  in  a  furnace  of 
will  of  man ;  but  holy  men  of  earth,  purified  seven  times. 
God  spake  as  they  were  moved  Ps.  cxix.  140.  Thy  word  is 
by  the  Holy  Ghost.  very  pure. 

f  Is.  viii.  20.  To  the  law  *  Acts  x.  42.  To  him  gave 
and  to  the  testimony :  if  they  all  the  prophets  witness,  that 
speak  not  according  to  this  through  his  name  whosoever 
word,  it  is  because  there  is  no  believeth  in  him  shall  receive 
light  in  them.  Luke  xvi.  19.  remission  of  sins.  Acts  xxvi. 
31.  They  have  Moses  and  the  22.  Having  therefore  obtained 
prophets :  let  them  hear  them,  help  of  God,  I  continue  until 
—If  they  hear  not  Moses  and  this  day,  witnessing  both  to 
the  prophets,  neither  will  they  small  and  great,  saying  none 
be  persuaded,  though  one  rose  other  things  than  those  which 
from  the  dead.  Gal.  i.  8,  9.  the  prophets  and  Moses  did 
But  though  we,  or  an  angel  say  should  come. 


The  Larger  Catechism.  151 

the  whole,  which  is  to  give  all  glory  to  God  k ; 
by  their  light  and  power  to  convince  and  convert 
sinners,  to  comfort  and  build  up  believers  unto 
salvation ' :  But  the  Spirit  of  God  bearing  witness 
by  and  with  the  scriptures  in  the  heart  of  man, 
is  alone  able  fylly  to  persuade  it  that  they  are  the 
very  word  of  God  m. 

Q>  5.  What  do  the' scriptures  principally  teach  ? 

A.  The  scriptures  principally  teach,  what  man 
is  to  believe  concerning  God,  and  what  duty  God 
requires  of  man  n. 

k    Rom.    iii.    19.      Now    we  18.     Of  his  own  will  begat  he 

know  that  what  things  soever  us  with  the  word  of  truth.    P= 

the  law  saith,  it  saith  to  them  xix.  7,  8,  9.     The  law  of  the 

who  are  under  the  law :  that  Lord  is  perfect,  converting  the 

every  mouth  may  be  stopped,  soul:  the  testimony  of  the  Lord 

and  all  the  world  may  become  is  sure,  making  wise  the  simple 

guilty   before    God.     verse  27.  m  John  xvi.  13,  14.    Howbeit, 

Where  is  boasting  then  ?  It  is  when  he  the  Spirit  of  truth  is 

excluded.     By   what   law  ?   Of  come,  he  will  guide  you  into 

works?  Nay';   but  by  the  law  all  truth:   and  he  will    shew 

of  faith.  you  things  to  come.     He  shall 

1    Acts   xviii.    28.      For   he  glorify  me ;   for   he  shall   re- 

mightily  convinced  the  Jews ;  ceive  of  mine,  and  shall  shew 

and  that  publicly,  shewing  by  it  unto  you,  with  1  John  ii.  2(X 

the  scriptures,  that  Jesus  was  27. 

Christ    Heb.   iv.  xii.    For  the  n  John  xx.  31.  But  these  are 

word    of    God    is   quick,    and  written,  that  ye  might  believe 

powerful,     and    sharper    than  that  Jesus   is  the   Christ,   the 

any  two-edged  sword,  piercing  Son  of  God,  and  that  believing 

even  to  the  dividing  asunder  of  ye  might  have  life  through  his 

soul    and    spirit,    and    of    the  name.     2  Tim.  i.  13.    Hold  fast 

joints  and   marrow,   and  is  a  the     form     of    sound     words, 

discerner  of  the  thoughts  and  which  thou  hast  heard  of  me, 

intents  of  the  heart.    Jam.  i.  in  faith  and  love.  Ps  cxix.  105. 


152  The  Larger  Catechism* 

WHAT  MAN  OUGHT  TO  BELIEVE 
CONCERNING  GOD. 

Q.  6.  What  do  the  scriptures  make  known  of 
God? 

A.  The  scriptures  make  known  what  God  is  % 
the  persons  in  the  Godhead p,  his  decrees  %  and 
the  execution  of  his  decrees  r. 

Q.  7.  What  is  God? 

A.  God  is  a  Spirit',  in  and  of  himself  infi- 
nite in  being  %  glory u,  blessedness  w,  and  per- 
fection  x  ;     all-sufficient y,    eternal  %     unchangea- 

°  John  iv.  24.     God  is  a  Spi-  heaven,  what   canst  thou  do  ? 

rit.     Ex.    iii.    14.   and  xxxiv.  deeper  than  hell,   what  canst 

6,  7.  thou  know  ?  the  measure  there- 

p  1  John  v.  7.   For  there  are  of  is  longer  than    the   earth, 

three  that  bear  record  in  hea-  and  broader  than  the  sea. 
ven,    the   Father^  the    Word,       °  Acts  vii.  2.     The  God  of 

and  the  Holy  Ghost :  and  these  glory  appeared  unto  our  father 

three  are  one.  Abraham     when    he    was    in 

*  Acts  xiv.  15.  18.  Mesopotamia,  before  he  dwelt 
r  Acts  iv.   27,  28     For  of  a  in  Charran. 

truth    against   thy   holy    child  w  1  Tim.   vi.  15.    Which  in 

Jesus,  both  Herod  and  Pontius  his  time  he  shall  shew,  who  is 

Pilate  with  the  Gentiles,  and  the  blessed  and  only  Potentate, 

the  people  of  Israel,  were  ga-  the  King  of  kings,  and  Lord  of 

thered  together,  for  to  do  what-  lords. 

soever  thy  hand  and  thy  coun-  x  Matt.  v.  48  Be  ye  there- 
sel  determined  before  to  be  fore  perfect,  even  as  your  Fa- 
done,  ther  who  is  in  heaven  is  per- 

*  John  iv.  24.  God  is  a  Spirit,  feet. 

t  Ex.  iii.  14.     And  God  said  y  Gen.   xvii.   1.     And  when 

unto  Moses,  I  am  that  I  am  :  Abraham  was  ninety  years  old 

And  he  said,   Thus  shalt  thou  and  nine,  the  Lord   appeared 

say  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  to    Abraham,    and    said    unto 

I  am  hath  sent  me  unto  you.  him,  I  am  the  Almighty  God; 

Job  xi   7,  8,  9.     Canst  thou  by  walk  before  me,   and  be  thou 

searching  find  out  God  ?  canst  perfect. 

thou  find  out  the  Almighty  unto  2    Ps.    xc.    2.      Before    the 

perfection  ?   It   is  as  high  as  mountains  were  brought  forth, 


The  Larger  Catechism. 


15; 


blea,  incomprehensible b,  every  where  present0, 
almighty d,  knowing  all  things6,  most  wisef, 
most  holy  *,  most  justh,  most  merciful  and  gra- 
cious, long-suffering,  and  abundant  in  goodness 
and  truth  \ 

Q.  8.  Are  there  more  Gods  than  one  ? 
A.  There  is  but  one,  only,  the  living  arid  true 
Godk. 


or  ever  thou  hadst  formed  the 
earth,  and  the  world :  even 
from  everlasting  to  everlasting, 
thou  art  God. 

•  Mai.  iii.  6.  For  I  am  the 
Lord,  I  change  not ;  therefore 
ye  sons  of  Jacob  are  not  con- 
sumed.    With  James  i.  17. 

*  1  Kings  viii.  27.  But  will 
God  indeed  dwell  on  the  earth? 
Behold,  the  heaven,  and  hea- 
ven of  heavens  cannot  contain 
thee ;  how  much  less  this 
house  which  I  have  builded  ? 

c  Ps.  cxix.  1,  2.  7.  O  Lord 
thou  hast  searched  me,  and 
known  me:  Thou  knowest  my 
down-sitting  and  my  up-rising, 
thou  understandest  my  thought 
afar  off,  &c.  Whither  shall 
I  go  from  thy  Spirit  ?  or  whither 
shall  I  flee  from  thy  presence  ? 

A  Rev.  iv.  8.  And  the  four 
beasts  had  each  of  them  six 
wings  about  him,  and  they 
were  full  of  eyes  within ;  and 
they  rest  not  day  and  night, 
saying,  Holy,  holy,  holy,  Lord 
God  Almighty,  who  was,  and 
is,  and  is  to  come. 

e  Heb  iv.  13.  Neither  is 
there  any  creature  that  is  not 
manifest  in  his  sight;   but  all 


things  are  naked,  and  opened 
unto  the  eyes  of  him  with 
whom  we  have  to  do.  And 
Ps.  cxlvii.  5. 

f  Rom.  xvi.  27.  To  God  only 
wise  be  glory  through  Jesus 
Christ,  for  ever.     Amen. 

«  Is.  vi.  3.  And  one  cried 
unto  another,  and  said,  Holy, 
holy,  holy,  is  the  Lord  of 
hosts,  the  whole  earth  is  full  of 
his  glory.  Rev.  xv.  4.  Who 
shall  not  fear  thee,  O  Lord, 
and  glorify  thy  name  ?  for  thou 
only  art  holy. 

h  Deut.  xxxii.  4.  He  is  the 
rock,  his  work  is  perfect:  for 
all  his  ways  are  judgment:  a 
God  of  truth,  and  without  ini- 
quity, just  and  right  is  he. 

•  Ex.  xxxiv.  6.  And  the 
Lord  passed  by  before  him,  and 
proclaimed,  The  Lord,  the  I^ord 
God,  merciful  and  gracious, 
long-suffering,  and  abundant 
in  goodness  and  truth. 

k  Deut.  vi.  4.  Hear  O  Israel, 
the  Lord  our  God  is  one 
Lord.  1  Cor.  viii.  4.  There  is 
none  other  God  but  one.  And 
verse  vi.  Jer.  x.  19.  But  the 
Lord  is  the  true  God,  he  is  the 
living  God,  and  an  everlasting 
Kin£. 


154  The  Larger  Catechism. 

Q.  9.  How  many  persons  are  there  in  the  God- 
head? 

A.  There  be  three  persons  in  the  Godhead,  the 
Father,  the  Son,  and  the  Holy  Ghost;  and  these 
three  are  one  true,  eternal  God,  the  same  in  sub- 
stance, equal  in  power  and  glory ;  although  dis- 
tinguished by  their  personal  properties  '. 

Q.  10.  What  are  the  personal  properties  of  the 
three  persons  in  the  Godhead  ? 

A.  It  is  proper  to  the  Father  to  beget  the  Son  m, 
and  to  the  Son  to  be  begotten  of  the  Father  n,  and 
to  the  Holy  Ghost  to  proceed  from  the  Father  and 
the  Son,  from  all  eternity  °. 

Q.  11.  How  dotii  it  appear  that  the  Son  and  the 
Holy  Ghost  are  God  equal  with  the  Father  ? 

A  The  scriptures  manifest  that  the  Son 
and  the  Holy  Ghost  are  God  equal  with  the 
Father,  ascribing  unto  them  such  names1*,  attri- 

1  1  John  v.  7.    For  there  are  °    John   xv.   26.    But   when 

three  that  bear  record  in  hea-  the  Comforter  is  come,  whom 

ven,  the  Father,  the  Word,  and  I  will  send  unto  you  from  the 

the   Holy    Ghost;    and   these  Father,  even  the  Spirit  of  truth, 

three  are  one.   Matt.  iii.  16,  17  which  proceedeth  from  the  Fa- 

and  xxviii.  19.     2  Cor.  xiii.  14.  ther,  he  shall  testify  of  me.  Gal. 

John  x.  30.  iv.  6.  And  because  ye  are  sons, 

m    Heb.    i.    5,   6.     For  unto  God  hath  sent  forth  the  Spirit 

which  of  the  angels  said  he  at  of  his   Son  into   your   hearts, 

any  time,  Thou  art  my  Son,  crying,  Abba,  Father, 

this  day  have  I  begotten  thee  ?  p  Jer.  xxiii.  6.     And  this  is 

And  again,  1  will  be  to  him  a  his  name  whereby  he  shall  be 

Father,  and  he  shall  be  to  me  called,  The  Lord  (or  Jehovah) 

a  Son.    John  i.  14,  &c.  our  righteousness.     1   John    v. 

■  And  the  Word  was  made  20.     And  we  are  in  him   that 

flesh,  and   dwelt    amongst  us,  is  true,  even  in  his  Son  Jesus 

(and  we  beheld  his  glory,  the  Christ.    This  is  the  true  God, 

glory  as  of  the  only  begotten  of  and   eternal    life.    Ps.    xlv.  6. 

the  Father,)  full  of  grace  and  Thy  throne,  O  God,  is  for  ever 

truth.  and  ever.    Acts  v,  3,  4.    But 


The  Larger  Catechism. 


155 


butes*,  works',  and  worship s,  as  are  proper  to 
God  only. 

Q.  12.  What  are  the  decrees  of  God  ? 

A.  God's  decrees  are  the  wise,  free,  and  holy 
acts  of  the  counsel  of  his  will, l  whereby,  from  all 
eternity,  he  hath,  for  his  own  glory,  unchangeably 


Peter  said,  Ananias,  why  hath 
Satan  filled  thine  heart  to  lie 
unto  the  Holy  Ghost  ?  Thou 
hast  not  lied  unto  men,  but 
unto  God. 

«J  John.  i.  1.  In  the  begin- 
ning was  the  Word,  and  the 
Word  was  with  God,  and  the 
Word  was  God.  Is.  ix.  6.  For 
unto  us  a  child  is  born,  unto  us  a 
Son  is  given,  and  the  govern- 
ment shall  be  upon  his  shoulder, 
and  his  name  shall  be  called 
Wonderful,  Counsellor,  The 
mighty  God,  The  everlasting 
Father,  The  Prince  of  Peace. 
John  ii.  24,  25.  But  Jesus  did 
not  commit  himself  unto  them, 
because  he  knew  all  men  ;  and 
needed  not  that  any  should  tes- 
tify of  man  ;  for  he  knew  what 
was  in  man.  1  Cor.  ii.  10,  11. 
But  God  hath  revealed  them 
unto  us  by  his  Spirit ;  for  the 
Spirit  searcheth  all  things, 
yea,  the  deep  things  of  God. 
what  man  knoweth  the 
things  of  a  man,  save  the  spirit 
of  man  which  is  in  him  ?  Even 
so  the  things  of  God  knoweth 
no  man,  but  the  Spirit  of  God. 
ix  14.  How  much  more 
shall  not  Christ,  who,  through 
ternal  Spi 

without  spot  to  God,  purge 
your    con*  from     dead 

work  the  living  Cod? 

r    Col.   i    16.     For    by    him 
were  all  things  created,   that 


are  in  heaven,  and  that  are  in 
earth,  visible  and  invisible, 
whether  they  be  thrones,  or 
dominions,  or  principalities, 
or  powers:  all  things  were 
created  by  him,  and  for  him. 
John  i.  3.  Gen.  i.  2.  And  the 
earth  was  without  form  and 
void,  and  darkness  was  upon 
the  face  of  the  deep  :  and  the 
Spirit  of  God  moved  upon  the 
face  of  the  waters  :  with  Job 
xxvi.  13.  and  Ps.  civ.  30. 

*  Matt  xxviii.  19.  Go  ye 
therefore,  and  teach  all  na- 
tions, baptizing  them  in  the 
name  of  the  Father,  and  of 
the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 
2  Cor.  xiii.  14.  The  grace  of 
the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  the 
love  of  God,  and  the  commu- 
nion of  the  Holy  Ghost,  be 
with  vou  all.     Amen. 

c  Eph.  i.  11.  In  whom  also 
we  have  obtained  an  inheri- 
tance, being  predestinated  ac- 
cording to  the  purpose  of  him, 
who  worketh  all  things,  after 
the   counsel    of   his  own   will. 

Rom.   ix.    14. and    xv.    18. 

Fcr  he  saith   to   Musts,   I  will 

have    mercy   on  whom    I    will 

have   mercy,   and  1  will   have 

BSSMf]    on    whom    I    will 

Therefore 

hath   he    mercy   00   whom    he 
will  have  mercy,  and  whom  he 
will  he  hardeneth.    And  ! 
. 


156  The  Larger  Catechism. 

fore-ordained  whatsoever  comes  to  pass  in  time  u, 
especially  concerning  angels  and  men. 

Q.  13.  What  hath  God  especially  decreed  con- 
cerning  angels  and  men  ? 

A.  God,  by  an  eternal  and  immutable  decree, 
out  of  his  mere  love,  for  the  praise  of  his  glori- 
ous grace,  to  be  manifested  in  due  time,  hath 
elected  some  angels  to  glory  w ;  and,  in  Christ, 
hath  chosen  some  men  to  eternal  life,  and  the 
means  thereof x  ;  and  also,  according  to  his  sove- 
reign power,  and  the  unsearchable  counsel  of  his 
own  will  (whereby  he  extendeth  or  withholdeth 
favour  as  he  pleaseth)  hath  passed  by,  and  fore- 
ordained the  rest  to  dishonour  and  wrath,  to  be 
for  their  sin  inflicted  to  the  praise  of  the  glory  of 
his  justice  y. 

u  Eph.  i.  4.   11.    According  (viz.  Christ,)  before  the  fotin- 

as  he  hath  chosen  us  in  him,  dation  of  the  world,  that  we 

before   the    foundation   of  the  should    be    holy,   and   without 

world,  that  we  should  be  holy,  blame  before  him  in  love ;  hav- 

and  without  blame  before  him  ing  predestinated  us  unto  the 

in  love.  Rom.  ix  22,  23.  What  adoption  of  children,  by  Jesus 

if    God   willing    to    shew    his  Christ,  unto  himself. To  the 

wrath,  and  to  make  his  power  praise  of  the  glory  of  his  grace, 

known,    endured    with    much  wherein  he  hath  made  us  ac- 

long-suffering    the    vessels    of  cepted  in  the  Beloved.  2  Thess. 

wrath    fitted    to    destruction :  ii.  13.     Bat  we  are  bound  to 

and  that  he  might  make  known  give  thanks  always  to  God  for 

the  riches  of  his  glory  on  the  you,  brethren,  beloved  of  the 

vessels   of    mercy,    which    he  Lord,  because  God  hath,  from 

had  afore  prepared  unto  glory?  the  beginning,  chosen   you   to 

Ps.  xxxiii.  11.     The  counsel  of  salvation,  through  sanctincation 

the  Lord  standeth  for  ever,  the  of   the    Spirit,   and    belief   of 

thoughts  of  his  heart  to  all  ge-  the    truth,    ver.    14.      1    Pet. 

nerations.  i.  2. 

w  1   Tim.  v.  21.    I  charge       y  Rom.  ix.    17,   18.   21,  22. 

thee  before  God,  and  the  Lord  For  the    scripture    saith   unto 

Jesus  Christ,  and  the  elect  an-  Pharaoh,  Even  for  this  same 

gels.  purpose  have  I  raised  thee  up, 

K  Eph.  i.  4,  5,  6.    According  that  I  might  shew  my  power 

as  he  hath  chosen  us  in  hiir^  in  thee,   and   that   my  name 


The  Larger  Catechism.  157 

Q.  14.  How  doth  God  execute  his  decrees  ? 

A.  God  executeth  his  decrees  in  the  works  of 
creation  and  providence  :  according  to  his  infalli- 
ble fore-knowledge,  and  the  free  and  immutable 
counsel  of  his  own  will z. 

Q*  15.  What  is  the  work  of  creation  ? 

A.  The  work  of  creation  is  that  wherein  God 
did  in  the  beginning,  by  the  word  of  his  power, 
make,  of  nothing,  the  world  and  all  things  there- 
in for  himself,  within  the  space  of  six  days,  and 
all  very  good  \ 

Q.  16.  How  did  God  create  angels  ? 

A.  God  created  all  the  angelsb,  spirits0,  immortal*. 

might  be  declared  throughout  Through  faith  we  understand 

all  the  earth.    Therefore  hath  that  the  worlds  were  framed 

he   mercy    on    whom  he    will  by  the   word  of  God,  so  that 

have    mercy,    and    whom    he  things    which  are   seen,    were 

will  he  hardeneth.     Hath  not  not  made  of  things  which   do 

the  potter  power  over  the  clay,  appear.  Prov  xvi.  4.  The  Lord 

of  the  same  lump,  to  make  one  hath  made  all  things  for  him- 

vessel  unto  honour,  and  another  self,  yea,  even  the  wick, 

unto  dishonour?  Jude  4.     For  the  day  of  evil.     Rev.  iv.  11. 
there  are  certain  men  crept  in       b    Col    i.    15.    For   by  him 

unawares,  wiio  were  before  of  were  all  things  created  that  are 

old  ordained  to  this  con'demna-  in  heaven,  and  that  are  ineai  th, 

tion,  ungodly  men,  turning  the  visible  and  invisible,   whether 

grace  of  our  God  into  lascivi-  they  be  thrones    or  dominions, 

ousness,  and  denying  the  only  or  "principalities,    or   powers; 

Lord  God,  and  our  Lord  Jesus  all  things  were  created  by  him, 

Christ.     Matt.    3d.    25,   26.     2  and  for  him. 
Tim.  ii  20.  c  Ps.   civ    4.     Who  maketli 

2  Eph.  i.    11.     In  whom  also  his  angels  spirits:  his  ministers 

we  have   obtained    an  inherit-  a  flaming 

ance,  being  predestinated  ac-        d  Matt  xxii.  30.     For  in  the 

cording  to  the  purpose  of  him  resurrection  they  neither  mar- 

who  worketh   all  things   after  ry,  nor  are  given  in  marriage, 

the  counsel  of  his  own  will.  but  are  as  the  angels  oi"  God  in 

*  Gen.  i.  chap.     Heb.   xi.   3.  I 

O 


158 


The  Larger  Catechism. 


holye,  excelling  in  knowledge f,  mighty  in  pow- 
er & ;  to  execute  his  commandments,  and  to  praise 
his  name  h,  yet  subject  to  change  \ 

Q.  17.  How  did  God  create  man  ? 

A.  After  God  had  made  all  other  creatures,  he 
created  man  male  and  female  k ;  formed  the  body 
of  the  man  of  the  dust  of  the  ground !,  and  the 
woman  of  the  rib  of  the  man m ;  endued  them 
with  living,  reasonable,  and  immortal  souls n ; 
made  them  after  his  own  image  °,  in  knowledge  p, 
righteousness  and  holiness q,  having  the  law  of 
God  written  in  their  hearts r,  and  power  to  fulfil 


*  Matt  xxv.  31.  When  the 
Son  of  man  shall  come  in  his 
glory,  and  all  the  holy  angels 
with  him,  then  shall  he  sit  upon 
the  throne  of  his  glory. 

f  2  Sam.  xiv.  17.  As  an 
angel  of  God,  so  is  my  lord  the 
king,  to  discern  good  and  bad. 
— Matt.  xxiv.  36. 

s  2  Thess.  i.  7.  And  to  you 
who  are  troubled,  rest  with  us, 
when  the  Lord  Jesus  shall  be 
revealed  from  heaven,  with 
his  mightv  angels. 

h  Ps.  ciii.  20,  21.  Bless  the 
Lord,  ye  his  angels,  that  excel 
in  strength,  that  do  his  com- 
mandments, hearkening  unto 
the  voice  of  his  word.  Bless 
ye  the  Lord,  all  ye  his  hosts, 
ye  ministers  of  his  that  do  his 
pleasure. 

*  2  Pet.  ii.  4.  For  if  God 
spared  not  the  angels  that  sin- 
ned, but  cast  them  down  to 
hell,  and  delivered  them  into 
chains  of  darkness,  to  be  re- 
served unto  judgment. 

k  Gen.  i.  27.  So  God  created 
man  in  his  own  image,  in  the 


image  of  God  created  he  him ; 
male  and  female  created  he 
them. 

1  Gen.  ii.  7.  And  the  Lord 
God  formed  man  of  the  dust  of 
the  ground. 

m  Gen.  ii.  22.  And  the  rib, 
which  the  Lord  God  had  tak- 
en from  man,  made  he  a  wo- 
man, and  brought  her  unto  the 
man. 

n  Gen.  ii.  7.  And  the  Lord 
God  formed  man  of  the  dust 
of  the  .ground,  and  breathed 
into  his  nostrils  thejbreath  of 
life  :  and  man  became  a  living 
soul.  Compared  with  Job  xxxv. 
11.  and  Ec.  xii.  7.  and  Matt.  x. 
28.  and  with  Luke  xxiii.  43. 

°  Gen.  i.  27.  So  God  created 
man  in  his  own  image,  in  the 
image  of  God  created  he  him. 

p  Col.  iii.  10. 

<J  Eph.  iv.  24. 

'  Rom.  ii.  14,  15.  For  when 
the  Gentiles  who  have  not  the 
law,  do  by  nature  the  things 
contained  in  the  law,  these, 
having  not  the  law,  are  a  law 
unto  themselves.    Which  she^ 


The  Larger  Catechism.  159 

it  %  with  dominion  over  the  creatures1 ;   yet  sub- 
ject to  fall u. 

Q.  18.  What  are  God's  rvorks  of  providence  ? 

A.  God's  works  of  providence  are  his  most 
holy  w,  wise  x,  and  powerful  preserving  y,  and  go- 
verning all  his  creatures2)  ordering  them,  and  all 
their  actions  %  to  his  own  glory  b. 

Q.  19.  What  is  Gods  providence  towards  the 
angels  ? 

A.  God  by  his  providence  permitted  some  of 
the  angels,  wilfully  and  irrecoverably,  to  fall  into 
sin  and  damnation  %  limiting  and  ordering  that, 
and  all  their  sins,  to  his  own  glory  d ;  and  esta- 

the  work  of  the  law  written  in  the  heavens :  and  his  kingdom 
their  hearts,  their  conscience  ruleth  over  all. 
also  bearing  witness,  and  their  a  Matt  x.  29,  30.  Are  not 
thoughts  the  mean  while  ac-  two  sDarrows  sold  for  a  far- 
cusing,  or  else  excusing  one  thing)  and  one  of  them  shall 
another.  not  fall  to  theN  ground  without 

*  Ec.  vii.  29.  God  hath  made  your  Father.  But  the  very 
man  upright.  hairs   of    your    head    are    all 

■  Gen   i.  28.  numbered.     Gen.  xlv.  7.     And 

■  Gen.  iir.  6.     Ec.  vii.  29.         God  sent  me  before  you  to  pre- 
w  Ps.  cxliv.    17.     The  Lord   serve   you    a  posterity  in    the 

is  righteous  in  all  his  ways,  and  earth,   and   to  save  your  lives 

holy  in  all  his  works.  by  a  great  deliverance. 

*  Ps.  civ.  24.  O  Lord  how  b  Rom.  xi.  36.  For  of  him, 
manifold  are  thy  works !  in  and  through  him,  and  to  him, 
wisdom  hast  thou  made  them  are  all  things  ;  to  whom  be  glo- 
all.  Is.  xxviii.  29.  This  also  ry  for  ever.  Amen.  Is.  lxiii. 
cometh  forth  from  the  Lord  of  14.  So  didst  thou  lead  thy 
hosts,  who  is  wonderful  in  people  to  make  thyself  a  glo- 
counsel,  and  excellent  in  work-  lions  name. 

ing.  ■   Jude   6.     And  the   angels 

j  Heb.  i.  3.     Who  being  the  who  kept  not  their  first  estate, 

brightness    of    his    glory,    and  but  left  their  own   habitation, 

the  express  image  of  his  person,  he  hath  reserved  in  everlasting; 

and  upholding  all  things  by  the  chains  under  darkness,  unto  the 

word  of  his  power.  judgment  of  the  greatday.  2Pct 

*  Ps.  ciii.  19.  The  Lord  ii.  4.  Heb  ii.  16.  John  viii.  44 
hath   prepared    his  throne  in       d  Job  i.  12.     And  the  Lord 


160  The  Larger  Catechism. 

blished  the  rest  in  holiness  and  happiness c ;  em- 
ploying them  all f,  at  his  pleasure,  in  the  adminis- 
trations of  his  power,  mercy,  and  justice  *. 

Q.  20.  What  was  the  providence  of  God  toward 
man  in  the  estate  in  which  he  was  created? 

A.  The  providence  of  God  toward  man  in  the 
estate  in  which  he  was  created,  was,  the  placing 
him  in  paradise,  appointing  him  to  dress  it,  giv- 
ing him  liberty  to  eat  of  the  fruit  of  the  earth  h, 
putting  the  creatures  under  his  dominion1,  and 
ordaining  marriage  for  his  help  k ;  affording  him 
communion  with  himself1,  instituting  the  sab- 
bath ra,  entering  into  a  covenant  of  life  with  him, 
upon  condition  of  personal,  perfect,  and  perpe- 
tual obedience  n,  of  which  the  tree  of  life  was  a 
pledge0;   and  forbidding  to  eat  of  the  tree  of 

said   unto   Satan,   Behold,  all  l  Gen.  i.  27,  28. 

that  he  hath  is  in  thy  power,  m    Gen     »     3#      And    God 

only  upon  himself  put  not  forth  blessed  the    seventh  d         and 

thine  hand.  Luke  x.  17.  Matt.  sanctified  it:   beCause  that  in 

vm#-  ,«.          ~„    T    ,           iU  it  he   had*  rested  from  all  his 

,  fe  *  £m- v'  2\  ^charge  thee  work   which  God  created  and 

before  God,  and  the  Lord  Je-  made 

sus  Christ,  and   the  elect  an-  *                        .  ,           . 

gels.    Mark  via.  38.    Heb.  xii.   .    \R°™-  v-  *4\  .Ada™  who 
22  is  the  figure  of  him  that  was 

'  Ps.  civ.    4.    Who  maketh  J°  come-  J?0™?*™*   ™ith    * 

his  angels  spirits ;  his  ministers  Cor.   xy.  22.   47.  and  Hos.  vi. 

a  flaming  fire.  £    GaLBL1?     ^dihe  laW 

g  Heb.  i.  14.     Are  they  not  1S_  not  of  faith  :  but  the  man 

all     ministering     spirits,    sent  ^at  doeth  them   shall  live  in 

forth  to  minister  for  them  who  them-    Rom-    x-   5-     GaL    1U' 

shall  be  heirs  of  salvation?    2  *0* 

Kings  xix.  35.  °   Gen.    ii.    9.    And    out   of 

h  Gen.  ii.  8.  15,  16.  the  ground  made  the  Lord  God 

*  Gen.  i.  28.  to  grow  every  tree  that  is  plea- 

k  Gen  ii.  18.    And  the  Lord  sant  to  the  sight,  and  good  for 

God  said,  It  is  not  good  that  food ;  the  tree  of  life  also  in 

the  man  should   be    alone :    I  the  midst  of  the  garden,  and 

will  make  him  an  help  meet  the  tree  of  knowledge  of  good 

for  him  and  evil 


The  Larger  Catechism.  161 

the  knowledge  of  good  and  evil,  upon  the  pain  of 
death  p. 

Q.  21.  Did  man  continue  in  that  estate  wherein 
God  at  first  created  him  ? 

A.  Our  first  parents,  being  left  to  the  freedom 
of  their  own  will,  through  the  temptation  of  Sa- 
tan, transgressed  the  commandment  of  God,  in 
eating  the  forbidden  fruit,  and  thereby  fell  from 
the  estate  of  innocency  wherein  they  were  created  q* 

Q.  22.  Did  all  mankind  fall  in  that  first  trans- 
gression ? 

A.  The  covenant  being  made  with  Adamf  as 
a  public  person,  not  for  himself  only,  but  for  his 
posterity ;  all  mankind  descending  from  him  by 
ordinary  generation  r,  sinned  in  him  and  fell  with 
him  in  that  first  transgression8. 

Q.  23.  Into  w/iat  estate  did  the  Jail  bring  man* 
kind? 

p  Gen.  ii.  17.  But  of  the  tree  the  trees  of  the  garden,  v.  13. 
of  the  knowledge  of  good  and  And  the  Lord  God  said  unto 
evil,  thou  shalt  not  eat  of  it ;  the  woman,  What  is  this  that 
for  in  the  day  that  thou  eatest  thou  hast  done  t  And  the  wo- 
t hereof  thou  shalt  surely  die.       man  said,  The  serpent  beguiled 

<*    On.    iii.  .6,    7,    8.      And    me,    and    I   did  eat.     With  2 
when  the  woman. saw  that  the   Cor.  xi.  3.  and  Ec.  vii.  29. 
tree   was  good   for   food,   and       r  Acts  xvii.   26.     And  hath 
that    it    was   pleasant   to   the   made  of  one  blood  all  nations 
eyes,  and  a  tree  to  be  desired   of  men. 

to  make  one  wise;  she  took  of  ■  Gen.  ii.  17.  But  of  the 
the  fruit  thereof,  and  did  eat,  tree  of  the  knowledge  of  good 
and  gave  also  unto  her  husband  and  evil,  thou  shalt  not  eat  of 
with  her,  and  he  did  eat. —  it ;  for  in  the  day  that  thou 
And  they  knew  that  they  v.  est  thereof  thou  shalt  surely 

naked.  And  Adam  and  his  wife  die.  Compared  with  Rom.  v. 
hid  themselves  from  the  pre-  erse,  and  with  1  Con 

*ence  of  the  Lord  God  amongst   xv.  21, 

O  2 


162 


The  Larger  Catechism. 


A.  The  fall  brought  mankind  into  an  estate  of 
sin  and  misery1. 

Q,  24.  What  is  sin  ? 

A.  Sin  is  any  want  of  conformity  unto,  or 
transgression  of  any  law  of  God,  given  as  a  rule 
to  the  reasonable  creature  u. 

Q.  25.  Wherein  consists  the  sinfulness  of  that 
estate  whereinto  man  fell? 

A.  The  sinfulness  of  that  estate  whereinto  man 
fell,  consisteth  in  the  guilt  of  Adam's  first  sin  w, 
the  want  of  that  righteousness  wherein  he  was 
created,  and  the  corruption  of  his  nature,  whereby 
he  is  utterly  indisposed,  disabled,  and  made  op- 
posite  unto  all  that  is  spiritually  good,  and  wholly 
inclined  to  all  evil,  and  that  continually  x  ;  which 


1  Rom.v.  12.  Wherefore,  as 
by  one  man  sin  entered  into 
the  world,  and  death  by  sin; 
and  so  death  passed  upon  all 
men,  for  that  all  have  sinned. 
Gal.  iii.  10.  For  as  many  as  are 
of  the  works  of  the  law,  are 
under  the  curse :  for  it  is  writ- 
ten, Cursed  is  every  one  that 
continueth  not  in  all  things 
*hich  are  written  in  the  book 
of  the  law  to  do  their.. 

Rom.  iii.  23.     All  have  sin- 

neJ,    and   come    short    of   the 

glory   of   God.     1   John   iii.    4. 

the  transgression  of  the 

law.     Gal.  iii.  10—12. 

v  Rom.  v.  12.  19.  Where- 
fore, as  by  one  man  sin  entered 
into  the  world,  and  death  by 
sin :  and  so  death  passed  upon 
all  men,  for  that  all  have  sin- 
ned. By  one  man's  disobedi 
ence  many  were  made  sinners- 
1  Cor.  xv.  22. 


x  Rom.  v.  6.  For  when  we 
were  yet  without  strength,  in 
due  time  Christ  died  for  the 
ungodly.  Rom.  iii.  10  to  20. 
As  it  is  written,  There  is  none 
righteous,  no  not  one :  there 
is  none  that  understandeth ; 
there  is  none  that  seeketh  after 
God.  They  are  all  gone  out 
of  the  way,  they  are  together 
become  unprofitable,  there  is 
new  that  doeth  good,  no  not 
one.  Eph.  ii.  1,  2,  3.  And 
)ou  hath  he  quickened,  who 
were  dead  in  trespasses  and 
sins,  6cc.  Rom.  viii.  7,  8.  Be- 
cause the  carnal  mind  is  enmi- 
ty against  God :  for  it  is  not 
subject  to  the  law  of  God, 
neither  indeed  can  be.  So 
then  they  that  are  in  the  flesh, 
cannot  please  God.  Gen.  vi.  5. 
^nd  God  saw  that  the  wicked- 
ness of  man  was  great  in  the 
earth,  and  that  every  imagina- 


The  Larger  Catechism.  163 

is  commonly  called  original  sin,  and  from  which 
do  proceed  all  actual  transgressions  y. 

Q.  26.  How  is  original  sin  conveyed  from  our 
first  parents  unto  their  posterity  ? 

A.  Original  sin  is  conveyed  from  our  first  pa- 
rents unto  their  posterity  by  natural  generation, 
so  as  all  that  proceed  from  them  in  that  way,  are 
conceived  and  born  in  sin  z, 

Q.  27.  What  misery  did  the  fall  bring  upon 
mankind  ? 

A.  The  fall  brought  upon  mankind  the  loss  of 
communion  with  God  %  his  displeasure  and  curse; 
so  as  we  are  by  nature  children  of  wrath  b,  bond 
slaves  to  Satan  c,  and  justly  liable  to  all  punish- 

tion    of    the    thoughts   of    his  God  walking  in  the  garden  in 
heart  was  only  evil  continually  the  cool  of  the  day ;  and  Adam 
y  James  i.  14,  15.     But  every  and  his  wife    hid    themselves 
man   is  tempted,   when  he   is  from  the  presence  of  the  Lord 
drawn   away  of  his  own  lust,  God,  amongst  the  trees  of  the 
and  enticed.     Then  when  lust  garden.     So   he  drove  out  the 
hath     conceived,    it    bringeth  man :    and    he   placed  at    the 
forth  sin :  and  sin,   when  it  i<;  east  of  the    garden   of   Eden, 
finished,  brmgeth  forth  death.  Cherubims,     and     a     flaming 
Matt.  xv.  19.     For  out  of  the  sword,  which  turned  every  way, 
proceed    evil   thoughts,  to  keep  the  way  of  the  tree  of 
rs,    adulteries,     fornica-  lit 
thefts,    false    witness,  '  Eph.  ii.  2,  3.    Wherein  in 
• 'lemies.  time  past  ye  walked,  according 
li.  5.     Behold   I   was  In  the  course  of  this  world,  ac- 
.  in  iniquity:  and   in  sin  cording  to  the   prince   of   the 
v   mother  conceive    me.  the  air,  the  spirit  that 
•'.  4.    Who  can   bring  a  now  worketh  in  the  children  of 
thing  out  of  an  unclean?  disobediei  ce.      Among    whom 
not    one.    Job    xv.    14.    What  also  we  all   had  our  con  versa* 
is  man,  that  he  should  be  clean ?  ti^n  in  timeb  past,   in  the  lusts 
and  he  which  is  born  of  a  Fulfilling  the  de- 
man,  that  he  should  be  ri  of  the  flesh,    and    of  the 
ous'.John   iii.  6.     Th  mind,  and  were  by  nature  the 

child]  wrath,    even    as 

a  Gen    iii.  8.  ci4.     And  they  oth' 

heard  the  voice  of  the  Lord  26.    And  that 


164  The  Larger  Catechism. 

ments  in  this  world  and  that  which  is  to  come d* 

Q.  28.  What  are  the  punishments  of  sin  in  this 

world? 

A.  The  punishments  of  sin  in  this  world,  are 
either  inward ;  as  blindness  of  mind  %  a  reprobate 
sense f,  strong  delusions  *,  hardness  of  heart h,  hor- 
ror of  conscience  \  and  vile  affections  k :  Or  out- 
ward, as  the  curse  of  God  upon  the  creatures  for 
our  sakes ' ;  and  all  other  evils  that  befal  us  in 
our  bodies,  names,  estates,  relations,  and  employ- 
ments m  :  together  with  death  itself0. 

they  may  recover  themselves  hath  surprised  the  hypocrites. 

out  of  the  snare  of  the  devil,  Who  among  us  shall  dwell  with 

who  are  taken  captive  by  him  the     devouring    fire  ?      Who 

at  his  will.    Luke  xi.  21,  22.  among    us    shall  dwell    with 

Heb.  ii.  14.  everlasting  burnings  ?  Gen.  iv. 

d  Rom.  vi.  23,     The  wages  13,  14.    Matt,  xxvii.  4.    Heb. 

of  sin  is  death.    Rom.  v.    14.  x.  27. 

Gen,  ii.  17.  k  Rom.  i.  26.    For  this  cause 

e  Eph.  iv.   18.    Having  the  God  gave  them  up  unto  vile 

understanding  darkened,  being  affections, 

alienated  from  the  life  of  God,  *  Gen.  iii.  17.    Because  thou 

through  the  ignorance  that  is  hast  hearkened  unto  the  voice 

in  them,  because  of  the  blind-  of    thy    wife,   and  hast   eaten 

ness  of  their  heart.  of  the  tree,  of  which  I  com- 

1  Rom.  i.  28.     Even  as  they  manded    thee,    saying,    Thou 

did  not  like  to  retain  God  in  shalt  not  eat  of  it :  cursed  is 

their    knowledge,    God    gave  the  ground  for  thy  sake  ;  in  sor- 

them  over  to  a  reprobate  mind,  row  shalt  thou  eat  of  it  all  the 

to  do  those  things  which  are  days  of  thy  life, 

not  convenient.  m  Deut.  xxviii.  14.  to  the  end. 

e  2  Thess.   ii.  11.    And  for  If  thou  wilt  not  hearken  unto 

this  cause  God  shall  send  them  the  voice  of  the  Lord  thy  God, 

strong  delusion,  that  they  should  all  these  curses  shall  come  upon 

believe  a  lie.  thee  :  Cursed  shalt  thou  be  in 

b  Rom.  ii.  5.     But  after  thy  the  city,  &c. 

hardness  and  impenitent  heart,  n    Rom.   vi.    21.  23.     What 

treasurest     up     unto     thyself  fruit    had    ye    then    in    those 

wrath,  against  the  day  of  wrath,  things    whereof   ye    are   now 

and  revelation  of  the  righteous  ashamed  ?  for  the  end  of  tljose 

judgment  of  God.  things  is  death.    The  wages  of 

1  Is.  xxxiii.  14.     The  sinners  sin  U  death, 
in  Zion  are  afraid,  fearfulness 


The  Larger  Catechism.  165 

Q.  29.  What  are  the  punishments  of  sin  in  the 
world  to  come  ? 

A.  The  punishments  of  sin  in  the  world  to  come, 
are,  everlasting  separation  from  the  comfortable 
presence  of  God,  and  most  grievous  torments  in 
in  soul  and  body,  without  intermission,  in  hell 
fire  for  ever  °. 

Q.  30.  Doth  God  leave  all  mankind  to  perish 
in  the  estate  of  sin  and  misery  ? 

A.  God  doth  not  leave  all  men  to  perish  in  the 
.estate  of  sin  and  misery  p,  into  which  they  fell  by 
the  breach  of  the  first  covenant,  commonly  called 
the  covenant  of  works  s  :  but  of  his  mere  love  and 
mercy  delivereth  his  elect  out  of  it,  and  bringeth 
them  into  an  estate  of  salvation  by  the  second  cove- 
nant, commonly  called  the  covenant  of  grace  r. 

Thess.  i.  9.    Who  shall  s  Gal.  iii.  10.     For  as  many 

be  punished    with   everlasting  as  are  of  the  works  of  the  law, 

destruction,  from  the  presence  are  under  the  curse ;  for  it  is 

of   the    Lord,    and    from    the  written,  Cursed   is   every  one 

glory  of  his  power.     Mark  ix.  that  continueth  not  in  all  things 

43,    44.      To    go    into    hell, —  which  are  written  in  the  book 

where  their  worm   dieth   not,  of  the  law  to  do  them,  &c. 

and  the  fire   is  not  quenched.  r   Tit.   iii.    4,   5,   6,    7.     But 

Luke  xvi.  24,  25,  26. Stnd  after    that    the    kindness    and 

Lazarus  that  he   may  dip  the  love  of   God  our  Saviour   to- 

tip  of  his  finger   in  water,  and  wards   man   appeared,  not    by 

cool  my  tongue  :  for  I  am  tor-  works  of   righteousness   which 

mented  in  this  flame.    Between  we  have   done,   but   according 

us  and   you   there    is  a  great  to  his  mercy  he  saved  us,  by 

gulph  fixed  :  so  that  they  which  the    washing    of   regeneration, 

would  pass  from  hence  to  you  and     renewing     of    the    Holy 

cannot;  neither  can  they  pass  Ghost;    which  he  shed  on  us 

to  us,   that   would  come  from  abundantly,  through  JesusChrist 

thence.       Matt.    xxv.    41.    46.  our  Saviour:  That  being  justi- 

Rev.  xiy.  11.     John  iii.  "6.  fied   by  his   grace,   we    should 

p    1    Thess.   v.   9.     For  God  be    made    heirs    according    to 

halh  not  appointed  us  to  wrath  ;  the  hope  of  eternal   life.  'Tit. 
but  to  obtain   salvation  by  our.i.    2      In  hope  of  eternal    life, 

Lord  Jesus  Christ.  which   God   that    cannot    lie, 


166 


The  Larger  Catechism. 


Q.  31.  With  whom  was  the  covenant  of  grace 

made  ? 

A.  The  covenant  of  grace  was  made  with  Christ 
as  the  second  Adam,  and  in  him  with  all  the  elect 
as  his  seed  s. 

Q.  32.  How  is  the  grace  of  God  manifested  in 
the  second  covenant  ? 

A.  The  grace  of  God  is  manifested  in  the  se- 
cond covenant,  in  that  he  freely  provideth  and 
offereth  to  sinners  a  mediator *,  and  life  and  salva- 
tion by  him  u ;  and  requiring  faith  as  the  condi- 
tion to  interest  them  in  him  w,  pi  omiseth  and  giveth 
his  Holy  Spirit  to  all  his  elect x,  to  work  in  them 


promised  before  the  world  be- 
gan. GaJ.  iii.  21.  Rom.  iii. 
20,  21,  22. 

Gal.  iii.  16.  Now  to  Abra- 
ham and  his  seed  were  the 
promises  made.  He  saith  not, 
And  to  seeds,  as  of  many ;  but 
as  of  one,  And  to  thy  seed, 
which  is  Christ.  Is.  lix.  21.  As 
for  me,  this  is  my  covenant 
with  them,  saith  the  Lord,  My 
Spirit  that  is  upon  thee,  and  my 
Words  which  I  have  put  in  thy 
mouth,  shall  not  depart  out 
of  thy  mouth,  nor  out  of  the 
mouth  of  thy  seed,  nor  out  of 
the  mouth  of  thy  seed's  seed, 
saith  the  Lord,  from  henceforth 
and  for  ever.  Zac  vi.  13.  Luke 
xxii  29  2  Sam  xxiii.  5.  Rom. 
v.  15,  to  the  end. 

■  Gen.  iii.  15.  And  I  will 
put  enmity  between  thee  and 
the  woman,  and  between  thy 
seed  and  her  seed:  it  shall 
bruise  thy  head,  and  thou  shalt 
bruise  his  heel.  Is.  xlii.  6.  I( 
the  Lord  have  called  thee  in 
righteousness    and    will    hold 


thine  hand,  and  will  keep  thee, 
and  will  give  thee  for  a  cove- 
nant of  the  people,  for  a  light 
of  the  Gentiles.  John  vi.  27. 
Labour  not  for  the  meat  which 
perisheth,  but  for  that  meat 
which  endureth  unto  everlast- 
ing life,  which  the  Son  of  man 
shall  give  unto  you:  for  him 
hath  God  the  Father  sealed. 
1  Tim.  ii.  5. 

«  1  John  i.  11,  12.  And  this 
is  the  record,  That  God  hath 
given  unto  us  eternal  life,  and 
this  life  is  in  his  Son.  He  that 
hath  the  Son,  hath  life. 

w  John  iii.  16.  For  God  so 
loved  the  world,  that  he  gave 
his  only  begotten  Son,  that 
whosoever  believeth  in  him, 
should  not  perish,  but  have 
everlasting  life.  John  i.  12. 
But  as  many  as  received  him, 
to  them  gave  he  power  to  be- 
come the  sons  of  God,  even  to 
them  that  believe  on  his  name. 
Chap.  iii.  verse  36 

■  Prov.  i.  23.  Behold,  I  will 
pour  out  my  Spirit  unto  you,  I 


The  Larger  Catechism:  167 

that  faith  y,  with  all  other  saving  graces z ;  and  to 
enable  them  unto  all  holy  obedience  %  as  the  evi- 
dence of  the  truth  of  their  faith b,  and  thankful, 
ness  to  God c,  and  as  the  way  which  he  hath  ap- 
pointed them  to  salvation d. 

Q.  33.  Was  the  covenant  of  grace  always  admi- 
nistered after  one  and  the  same  manner  ? 

A.  The  covenant  of  grace  was  not  always  ad- 
ministered after  the  same  manner,  but  the  admi- 
nistrations of  it  under  the  Old  Testament  were 
different  from  those  under  the  New e. 

Q.  34.  How  was  the  covenant  of  grace  adminis- 
tered under  the  Old  Testament  ? 

A.  The  covenant  of  grace  was  administered 
under  the  Old  Testament,  by  promises  r,  prophe- 

will   make   known   my   words  will  shew  thee  my  faith  by  my 

unto   you.     Is.    lix.    21.     Zee.  works.    Verse   22.    Seest'thou 

xii.  10.  how    faith    wrought    with    his 

y  2  Cor.  iv.  13.     We  having  works,  and  by  works  was  faith 

the   same  Spirit  of  faith,   ac-  made  perfect? 

cording  as  it  is  written,  I  be-  c  2  Cor.  v.  14,  15.     For  the 

lieved,    and   therefore  have   I  love  of  Christ  constraineth  us. 

spoken:  we  also  believe,  and  d    Eph.  ii.   10.     For  we   are 

therefore  speak.  his    workmanship,   created   in 

*  Gal.  v.  22,  23.  But  the  Christ  Jesus  unto  good  works, 
fruit  of  the  Spirit,  is  love,  joy,  which  God  hath  before  ordained 
peace,  long-suffering,  gentle-  that  we  should  walk  in  them, 
ness,  goodness,  faith,  meekness,  Tit.  ii.  14.  and  iii.  8. 
temperance:  against  such  there  e  2  Cor.  iii.  6.  9.  Who  also 
is  no  law.  hath  made  us  able  minister-  of 

•  Ez.  xxxvi.  27.     And  I  will  the  New  Testament,  not  of  the 
put  my  Spirit  within   you,  and  letter,  but  of   the  spirit:   and 
cause  you  to  walk  in    my  sta-  Heb.  i.  1,  2.  chap.  viii.  7,  8,  Sec. 
tutes,   and    ye   shall   keep   my  '  Rom.    xv.   8      Now    I 
judgments  and  do  them.  that  Jesus  Christ  was  a  mil 

b  James  ii.  18.     Yea,  a  man  of    the   circumcision    for    the 

may  say,  Thou  hast  fait'     and  truth  of   (iod,   to   confirm   the 

I  have   works:   shew   me  thy  promises  made  unto  the  fathers, 

faith  without  thy  works,  and  I  Acts  iii. 


168  The  Larger  Catechism. 

cies  *,  sacrifices  h,  circumcision  >,  the  passover  k, 
and  other  types  and  ordinances ;  which  did  all 
fore-signify  Christ  then  to  come,  and  were  for 
that  time  sufficient  to  build  up  the  elect  in  faith 
in  the  promised  Messiah ',  by  whom  they  then 
had  full  remission  of  sin  and  eternal  salvation  m. 

Q.  35.  Hcav  is  the  covenant  of  grace  adminis- 
tered under  the  New  Testament  ? 

A.  Under  the  New  Testament,  when  Christ 
the  substance  was  exhibited,  the  same  covenant 
of  grace  was,  and  still  is  to  be,  administered  in  the 
preaching  of  the  word  n,  and  the  administration 
of  the  sacraments  of  baptism0,  and  the  Lord's 
supper  p ;  in  which  grace  and  salvation  are  held 
forth  in  more  fulness,  evidence  and  efficacy  to  all 
nations  \ 

Q.  36.  Who  is  the  Mediator  of  the  covenant  of 
grace  ? 

A.  The  only  Mediator  of  the  covenant  of  grace 

*  Acts  iii.  20.  24.  °  Matt,  xxviii.  19,  20.  Go  ye 

I1  Heb.  x.  1.  therefore  and  teach  all  nations, 

'  Rom.  iv.  11.  baptizing  them  in  the  name  of 

k  1  Cor.   v    7.     Ex.  xii.  14.    the   Father,  and  of   the    Son, 
17.  24,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

1  (Heb.  viii.  ix.  and  x.  chap-  p  1  Cor.  xi.  23,  24,  25,  26. 
ters)  Heb.  xi.  13  These  all  For  I  have  received  of  the 
died  in  faith,  not  having  re-  Lord  that  which  also  I  deliver- v 
ceived  the  promises,  but  having  ed  unto  you,  6cc.  This  do  ye,  „ 
seen  them  afar  off,  and  were  as  oft  as  ye  drink  it,  in  remem- 
persuaded  of  them,  and  em-  brance  ot  me.  For  as  often  as 
braced  them,  and  confessed  that  ye  eat  this  bread,  and  drink 
they  were  strangers  and  pil-  this  cup,  ye  do  shew  the  Lord's 
grims  on  the  earth.  death  till  he  come/.    [Till  he 

m  Gal.  iii.  7,  8,  9.  14.  come  to  judgment:  for  he  had 

n    Mark   xvi.    15.     And   he   come  in  the  Spirit  long  before 
said  unto  them,  Go  ye  into  all   this  time.]     See  also  the  gcs- 
the  world,  and  preach  the  gos-   pels, 
pel  to  every  creature.  *  2  Cor.  iii.  6- 


The  Larger  Catechism.  169 

is  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ r,  who  being  the  eternal 
Son  of  God,  of  one  substance  and  equal  with  the 
Father  %  in  the  fulness  of  time  became  man  % 
and  so  was,  and  continues  to  be,  God  and  man  in 
two  entire  distinct  natures,  and  one  person  for 
ever u. 

Q.  37.  How  did  Christy  being  the  Son  of  God, 
become  man  ? 

A.  Christ  the  Son  of  God  became  man,  by 
taking  to  himself  a  true  body,  and  a  reasonable 
soul  w%  being  conceived  by  the  power  of  the  Holy 
Ghost,  in  the  womb  of  the  Virgin  Mary,  of  her 
substance,  and  born  of  her  *,  yet  without  sin  y. 

r  1  Tim.  ii.  5.    For  there  is  was    made    fiesh,    and    dwelt 

one    God,    and    one    Mediator  among   us.      Matt    xxvi.    58. 

between  God  ancl  men,  the  man  My  soul  is  exceeding  sorrowful, 

Christ  Jesus.  even  uiito  death. 

1  John  i.  1.    In  the  beginning        *   Luke   i.   31.  35.   42.     And 

was  the  Word,  and  the  Word  behold  thou  shalt  cenceive   in 

was  with  God,  and  the  Word  thy  womb,   and  bring  forth  a 

was  .God.    John  x.  30.     I  and  son,   and  shalt  call   his  name. 

my  Father  are  one.     Plnl.  ii.  Jtsus.     The   Holy  Chest   shall 

6.     Who  being  in  the  form  of  come  upon  thee,  and  the  power 

God,  thought  it  not  robbery  to  of  the  Highest  shall  over  sha- 

be  equal  with  God  dow   thee:  therefore  also  that 

r  Gal.  iv.  4.     But  when  the  holy  thing  which  shall  be  born 

is  of  the  time  was  come,  of  thee,  shall  be  called  the  Sen 

God  sent  forth  his  Sen,  made  of    God.       Blessed     art     thru 

of  a  woman.  among    women,  and  blessed  is 

°  Luke    i.    35.     That    holy  the    fruit  of   thy  wemb.     Gal. 

thing   which   shall   be  born  of  iv.  4.     God  sent  forth  his  Son 

thee,  shall  be  called  the  Son  made  of  a  woman. 
of  God.  Rom.  ix.  5.  Whose  are       »  Heb.  iv.  15.     For  we  have 

the  fathers,  and  of  whom  as  not  an  high  priest  who  cannot 

concerning    the    flesh    Chribt  be  touched  with  the  feeling  of 

came  ;    who   is  over  all   God  our  infirmities  i  in  all 

Amen.    Col.  points  ten 

ii.  9.  For  in  him  dwelleth  all  yet  without  .sin.  Heb.  vii.  26. 
the   fulness    of    the    God'  rach  an  high  prieat  became 

bodily.  us,  who  is  holy,  harmless,  un- 

w  John  i.  14.   And  the  Word  defilec  tte  from  sir.iM 

P 


170  The  Larger  Catechism. 

Q.  38.  Why  was  it  requisite  that  the  Mediator 
s/iould  be  God? 

A.  It  was  requisite  that  the  Mediator  should 
be  God,  that  he  might  sustain  and  keep  the  hu* 
man  nature  from  sinking  under  the  infinite  wrath 
of  God,  and  the  power  of  death  z ;  give  worth 
2nd  efficacy  to  his  sufferings,  obedience,  and  in- 
tercession51 ;  and  to  satisfy  God's  justice b,  procure 
his  favour  %  purchase  a  peculiar  people  d,  give  his 
Spirit  to  them  %  conquer  all  their  enemies f,  and 
bring  them  to  everlasting  salvation  s. 

Q.  39.  Why  was  it  requisite  that  the  mediator 
should  be  man  ? 

*  Acts  ii.  24.  Whom  God  hath  set  forth  to  be  a  propitia- 
hath  raised  up,  having  loosed  tion  through  faith  in  his  blood, 
the  pains  of  death;  because  it  to  declare  hs  righteousness, 
was  not  possible  that  he  should  for  the  remission  of  sins.  That 
be  holden  of  it.  Rom.  i.  4.  he  might  be  just,  and  the  justi- 
Declared  to  be  the  Son  of  God  fier  of  him  who  believeth  ii> 
with  power,  according  to  the  Jesus. 

Spirit  of  holiness,  by  the  resur-  c  Eph.  i.  6.  To  the  praise  of 
rection  from  the  dead.  the  glory  of  his  grace,  wherein: 
a  Acts  xx.  28.  To  feed  the  he  hath  made  us  accepted  in 
church  of  God,  which  he  hath  the  Beloved, 
purchased  with  his  own  blood.  d'Tit.  ii.  13,  14.  Who  gave 
Heb.  ix.  14.  How  much  more  himself  for  us,  that  he  might 
shall  the  blood  of  Christ,  who  redeem  us  from  all  iniquity* 
through  the  eternal  Spirit  offer-  and  purify  unto  himself  a  pe- 
ed himself  without  spot  to  culiar  people,  zealous  of  good 
God,    purge    your    conscience  works. 

from  dead  works,  to  serve  the  e  John  xv.  26.  But  when  the 
living  God  >  Heb.  vii.  25,  26,  Comforter  is  come,  whom  I 
27,  28.  Wherefore  he  is  able  will  send  unto  you  from  the  Fa-, 
also  to  save  them  to  the  utter-  ther  John  xvi.  7.  Chap.  xiv.  26. 
most,  that  come  unto  God  by  *  Luke  i.  68,  69.  71.74.  And 
him,  seeing  he  ever  liveth  to  hath  raised  up  an  horn  of  sal- 
make  intercession  for  them,  vation  for  us,  that  we  should 
gco,  be  saved  from  our  enemies. 

*  Rom.  iii.  24,  25,  26  Being  *  Heb.  v  9.  He  became  the 
justified  freely  by  his  grace,  author  of  eternal  salvation  unto 
through  the  redemption  that  is  all  them  that  obey  him.  Chap. 
in  Jesus   Christ:    Whom  God  ix.  11,  12,  13,14,  15. 


The  Larger  Catechism.  171 

A.  It  was  requisite  that  the  mediator  should  be 
man,  that  he  might  advance  our  nature  h,  perform 
obedience  to  the  law  \  suffer  and  make  interces- 
sion for  us  in  our  nature  k,  have  a  fellow-feeling 
of  our  infirmities  ■ ;  that  we  might  receive  the 
adoption  of  sons  ra,  and  have  comfort  and  access 
with  boldness  unto  the  throne  of  grace  \ 

•  Q.  40.   Why  was  it  requisite  that  the  mediator 
should  be  God  and  man  in  one  person  ? 

A.  It  was  requisite  that  the  mediator,  who  was 
to  reconcile  God  and  man,  should  himself  be  both 
God  and  man,  and  this  in  one  person  ;  that  the 
proper  works  of  each  nature  might  be  accepted 
of  God  for  us  °,  and  relied  on  by  us,  as  the  works 
of  the  whole  person p. 

h  Hcb.  ii.  16.     For  verily  he  be  touched  with  the  feeling  of 

took  not  on  him  the  nature  of  our  infirmities ;  but  was  in  all 

angels ;  but  he  took  on  him  the  points  tempted  like  as  we  are, 

seed  of  Abraham.  yet  without  sin. 

•Gal.   iv.  4    God  sent  forth  m    Gal.   iv.   5.     To   redeem 

his   Son,    made  of   a  woman,  them  that  were  under  the  law, 

made  under  the  law.     Rom.  v.  that  we  might  receive  the  adop- 

19. — By   the  obedience  of  one  tion  of  sons, 

shall  many  be  made  righteous.  n  Heb.  iv.   15,    16.     Let  us 

k   Heb.   ii.    14.      Forasmuch  therefore  come  boldly  unto  the 

then  as  the  children   ait  par-  throne  of  grace,  that  we  may 

takers   of  flesh  and  blood,  he  obtain  mercy,  and   find  grace 

liimself  likewise  took  part  to  help  in  time  of  need 

of    the    same,     that    through  °  Matt.  i.  21.  23.     Behold  a 

cicath   he    might  destroy  him  virgin     shall     bring    forth     a 

that  had  the  power  of  death,  son,    and    they    shall    call    his 

Ilcb.  vii.  24,  25,    But  this  man,  name  Emmanuel,  which  being 

ise    he    continuetb    ever,  inteqireted    is,    Cod    with   us. 

an    unchangeable   priest-  Matt,  iii     17.     This  is  my  be- 

hood.     Wherefore    he   is   able  loved  Son,  in  whom  1  am  welt 

also  to  sa\e  them  to  the  utter-  pleased. 

most  that  come  unto   Cod    by  p  1  Pet.  ii.  6.     Behold  I  lay 

him,  seeing  he  ever   liveth  to  in   Zion    a    chief  comer-stone, 

make  intercession  for  them.  elect,  precious:   and    he   that 

1  Heb.  iv.  15.     For  we  have  believeth    on  him  shall  not   be; 

r.n  high  priest  who  cannot  confounded. 


172  The  Larger  Catechism. 

Q.  41.  Why  was  our  mediator  called  Jesus  ? 
A.  Our  mediator  was  called  Jesus,  because  he 
saveth  his  people  from  their  sins  **. 

Q,  42.  Why  was  our  mediator  called  Christ? 

A.  Our  mediator  was  called  Christy  because 
he  was  anointed  with  the  Holy  Ghost  above  mea- 
sure r ;  and  so  set  apart,  and  fully  furnished  with 
all  authority  and  ability  \  to  execute  the  offices  of 
a  prophet  \  priest u,  and  king  of  his  churgh,  in 
the  estate  both  of  his  humiliation  and  exaltation  w. 

Q-  43.  How  doth  Christ  execute  the  office  of  a 
prophet  ? 

A.  Christ  executeth  the  office  of  a  prophet,  in 
his  revealing  to  the  church  x  in  all  ages,  by  his 
Spirit  and  word  y,  in  divers  ways  of  administra- 

1  Matt.  i.  21.  And  she  shall  n  Heb.  v.  5,  6.  So  also  Chris* 
bring  forth  a  son,  and  thou  glorified  not  himself,  to  be  made 
shalt  call  his  name  Jesus :  for  an  high  priest :  but  he  that 
he  shall  save  his  people  from  said  unto  him,  Thcu  art  my 
their  sins.  Son,    to-day    have    I    begotten 

1   John  iii.   34.     God   giveth   thee.    As  he  saith  also  in  aiKw 
not  the  Spirit  by  measure  unto   ther  place,  Thou  art  a  priest 
him.  Ps.  xlv.  7.   God,  thy  God,  for    ever   after   the    order   of 
hath  anointed  thee  with  the  oil    Melchisedec.     Hcb..  iv.  14,  15. 
of  gladness  above  thy  fellows.  v'  Is.  ix  6.    The  government 

*  John  vi.  27.  Labour  not  shall  be  upon  his  shoulder.  Of 
for  the  meat  which  perisheth,  the  increase  of  his  government 
but  for  that  meat  which  endur-  and  peace  there  shall  be  no  end. 
eth  unto  everlasting  life,  which   Ps.  ii.  6- 

the  Son  of  man  shall  give  unto  x  John  i.  18.  No  man  hath 
you :  for  him  hath  God  the  Fa-  seen  God  at  any  time ;  the  only 
ther  sealed.  Matt,  xxviii.  19,  begotten  Son  which  is  in  the 
20-  bosom  of  the  Father,  he  hath 

'  Acts  iii.  21,  22.  For  Moses  declared  him. 
truly  said  unto  the  Fathers,  A  y  1  Pet.  i.  10.  12.  Of  which 
prophet  shall  the  Lord  your  salvation  the  prophets  have  en- 
God  raise  up  unto  you,  of  your  quired,  and  searched  diligently, 
brethren,  like  unto  me;  him  who  prophesied  of  the  grace 
shall  ye  hear  in  all  things  what-  that  should  come  unto  you. 
soever  he  shall  say  unto  ycu.  Unto  whom  it  was  revealed 
Luke  iv.  IS  21.  that  no?  unto  themselves,  but  I 


The  Larger  Catechism.  173 

tfon  z,  the  whole  will  of  God »,  in  all  things  con- 
cerning their  edification  and  salvation  b. 

Q.  44.  How  doth  Christ  execute  the  office  of  a 
priest  ? 

A.  Christ  executeth  the  office  of  a  priest,  in 
his  once  offering  himself  a  sacrifice  without  spot 
to  God  %  to  be  a  reconciliation  for  the  sins  of  his 
people  d  ;  and  in  making  continual  intercession  for 
them e. 

Q  45.  How  doth  Christ  execute  the  office  of  a 
king  ? 

A.  Christ  executeth  the  office  of  a  king,  ia 
calling  out  of  the  world  a  people  to  himself f; 

unto  us   they  did  minister  the  of  the  stature  of  tUe  fulness  of 

things  which  are  now  reported  Christ.     John  xx.  31. 

unto  you,   by   them   that  have  c  Heb.  ix.  14.  28.  How  much 

preached   tlie  gospel  unto  you,  more  shall  the  blocd  of  Christ, 

with  the  Holy  Chost  sent  down  who  through  the  eternal  Spirii 

from  heaven.  offered  himself  without  spot  to 

z  Heb.   i    1,  2.    God  who  at  God,  purge  your  conscience. — 

sundry    times,   and    in    divers  So  Christ  was  once  offered  to 

manners,  spake  in  time  past  unto  bear  the  sins  of  many, 

the    fathers,  by  the  prophets,  d  Heb,  ii.  17.  That  he  might 

hath  in  these  last  days  spoken  be  a  merciful  and  faithful  high 

unto  us  by  his  Son.  priest,  in  things  pertaining  to 

*  John'  xv.   IS.     But  I  have  God,  to  make  reconciliation  for 

called  you  friends;  for  all  things  the  sins  of  the  people. 

that  I  have  heard  of  my  Father,  e  Heb.  vii.  25.  Wherefore  he 

I  have  made  known  unto  you.  is  able    also  to   save   them    to 

b  Eph.  iv.  11,  12,  13.     And  the  uttermost,  that  come  unto 

he  gave  some,  aposllei ;   and  God  by  him,  seeing    he   ever 

some,    prophets  ;     and    some,  liveth  to  make  intercession  for 

•s;  and  some,  pastors  them. 

and  teachers  ;  for  the  perfect-  f  Is.  far.   4,  5. — Behold  thou 

ing  of  the  saints,  for  the  work  shalt   call   a   nation   that   thou 

of  the  ministry,  fcr  the  edify-  know  est  not,  and  nations  that 

I    the    body    of   Christ :  knew  not  thee,   shall  run  unto 

Till  we  all   come   in  the  unity  thee,  because  of  the  Lord  thy 

of  the  faith,  and  of  the  know-  (iod,   and  for  the  Holy  One  of 

•ledge  of  the  Son  of  God,  unto  a  Israel;    for  he  hath   glorified 

;  kect  man,  unto  the  measure  thee.     Gen.  x 


174 


The  Larger  Catechism. 


and  giving  them  officers  &,  laws h,  and  censures, 
by  which  he  visibly  governs  them  'l ;  in  bestowing 
saving  grace  upon  his  elect k,  rewarding  their  obe- 
dience l,  and  correcting  them  for  their  sins  m,  pre- 
serving and  supporting  them  under  all  their  temp- 
tations and  sufferings  n,  restraining  and  overcom- 
ing all  their  enemies  %  and  powerfully  ordering 
all  things  for  his  own  glory  p,  and  their  good q ; 
and  also  in  taking  vengeance  on  the  rest,  who 
know  not  God,  and  obey  not  the  gospel r. 


*  1  Ccr.  xii.  28.  And  God 
hath  set  some  in  the  church, 
iirst  apostles,  secondarily  pro- 
phets, thirdly  teachers,  after 
that  miracles,  then  gifts  of 
healings,  helps,  governments, 
diversities  of  tongues.  Eph.  iv. 
11,  12. 

h  Is.  xxxhi.  22.  For  the 
Lord  is  our  judge,  the  Lord 
is  our  law-giver,  the  Lord  is 
our  king,  he  will  save  us. 

1  Matt,  xviii.  17,  18.  And  if 
he  shall  neglect  to  hear  them, 
tell  it  unto  the  church :  but  if 
he  neglect  to  hear  the  church, 
let  him  be  unto  thee  as  an  hea- 
then man  and  a  publican.  Ve- 
rily I  say  unto  you,  Whatsoever 
ye  shall  bind  on  earth,  shall  be 
bound  in  heaven  ;  and  whatso- 
ever ye  shall  loose  on  earth, 
shall  be  loosed  in  heaven.  1 
Cor.  v.  4,  5.  1  Tim.  v.  20. 
Tit.  iii.  10. 

*  Acts  v.  31.  Him  hath  God 
exalted  with  his  right  hand  to 
be  a  Prince  and  a  Saviour  for 
to  give  repentance  to  Israel, 
and  forgiveness  of  sins.  Ps. 
lxviii.  18. 

1  Rev.  xxii.  12.  And  behold 
I  come  quickly ;  and  my  re- 
ward is  with  me,  to  give  every 


man  according  as  htework  shall 
be.  Matt.  xxv.  34,  25,  36. 
Rom.  ii.  7. 

m  Rev.  iii.  19.  As  many  as 
I  love  I  rebuke  and  chasten. 
Heb.  xii.  6,  7. 

n  Is.  lxiii.  9.  In  all  their 
affliction  he  was  afflicted,  and 
the  angel  of  his  presence  saved 
them  :  in  his  love  and  in  his 
pity  he  redeemed  them,  and 
he  bare  them,  and  carried 
them  all  the  days  of  old. 

°  1  Cor.  xv.  25.  For  he  must 
reign  till  he  hath  put  all  ene- 
mies under  his  feet.  Ps.  ex. 
throughout. 

p  Rom.  xiv.  11.  As  I  live 
saith  the  Lord,  every  knee 
shall  bow  to  me,  and  every 
tongue  shall  confess  to  God. 
Phil.  ii.  11.  And  that  every 
tongue  should  confess,  that  Je- 
sus Christ  is  Lord,  to  the  glory 
of  God  the  Father. 

<a  Rom.  viii.  28.  And  we 
know  that  all  things  work  to- 
gether for  good,  to  them  that 
love  God,  to  them  who  are  the 
called  according  to  his  purpose. 

1  2  Thess.  i.  8.  In  flaming 
fire,  taking  vengeance  on  them 
that  know  not  God,  and  that 
obey  not  the  gospel  of  our  Lord 


The  Larger  Catechism.  175 

Q.  46.  What  was  the  estate  of  Christ's  hu\ 
liation  ? 

A.  The  estate  of  Christ's  humiliation  was  that 
low  condition,  wherein  he,  for  our  sakes,  emp- 
tying himself  of  his  glory,  took  upon  him  the 
form  of  a  servant,  in  his  conception  and  birth, 
life,  death,  and  after  his  death  until  his  resur- 
rection*. 

Q.  47.  How  did  Christ  humble  himself  in  his 
conception  and  birth  ? 

A.  Christ  humbled  himself  in  his  conception 
and  birth,  in  that,  being  from  all  eternity  the  Son 
of  God  in  the  bosom  of  the  Father,  he  was  pleas- 
ed in  the  fulness  of  time  to  become  the  son  of 
man,  made  of  a  woman  of  low  estate,  and  to  be 
born  of  her,  with  divers  circumstances  of  more 
than  ordinary  abasement l. 

Q.  48.  How  did  Christ  humble  himself  in  his 
life? 

A.  Christ  humbled  himself  in  his  life,  by  sub- 
jecting himself  to  the  law  u,  which  he  perfectly 

Jesus  Christ.    Vs.  ii.  9.    Thou  that  though  he  was  rich,  yet  for 

shalt  break  them  with  a  rod  of  your   sakes    he   became  poor, 

iron,  thou   shalt  dash   them  in  that    ye   through    his    poverty 

pieces  like  a  potter's  vessel.  might  be    rich.     Luke    i.    31. 

*  Phil.  ii.  G,  7,  8.     Who  be-  Acts  ii.  24. 

ing  in  the  form  of  God,  thought  r  John  i.  14.    The  Word  was 

it  not  robbery  to  be  equal  with  made  flesh   and   dwelt  among 

God  :  but  made  himself  of  no  us. — verse    18.     The   only    be- 

reputation,  and  took  upon  him  gotten  Son,  which  is  in  the  bo- 

the  form  of  a  servant,  and  was  som  of  the    Father.     Luke   ii. 

made  in  the  likeness  of  men :  7.     And  she  brought  forth  her 

and  being  found  in  fashion  as  a  first    born    son,    and    wrapped 

man,  he  humbled  himself,  and  him  in  swaddling  clothes,  and 

became   obedient   unto  death,  laid  him  in  a  manger, 

even  the  death  of  the  cross.    2  u  Gal.  iv.  4.     Ciotl  sent  forth 

Cor.  viii   9.     For  ye  know  the  his    Son,    made    of  a  woman, 

grace  of  our  Lor<|  Jesus  Christ,  made  under  the  law. 


176  The  Larger  Catechism. 

fulfilled*',  and  by  conflicting  with  the  indignities 
of  the  world  x,  temptations  of  Satan  y,  and  infir- 
mities in  his  flesh ;  whether  common  to  the  na- 
ture of  man,  or  particularly  accompanying  that 
his  low  condition z. 

Q.  49,  How  did  Christ  humble  himself  in  his 
death  ? 

A.  Christ  humbled  himself  in  his  death,  in  that 
having  been  betrayed  by  Judas2 l,  forsaken  by 
his  disciples  b,  scorned  and  rejected  by  the  world  % 
condemned  by  Pilate,  and  tormented  by  his  per- 
secutors  d ;  having  also  conflicted  with  the  terrors 
<of  death  and  the  powers  of  darkness,  felt  and  born 
the  weight  of  God's  wrath  %  he  laid  down  his  life 

w  Matt.   v.    17.    Think  not  the  disciples  forsook  him,  and 

•that  I  am  come  to  destroy  the  fled. 

law  or  the  prophets ;  I  am  not  c  Is.  liii.  1.  3.   He  is  despised 

come  to  destroy,  but  to  fulfil,  and  rejected  of  men,  a  man  of 

Horn.  v.  19.  sorrows  and    acquainted  with 

*  Ps.  xxii.  6.  But  I  am  a  grief;  and  we  hid  as  it  were 
worm,  and  no  man;  a  reproach  our  faces  from  him;  he  was 
of  men,  and  despised  of  the  despised,  and  we  esteemed  him 
people.    Is.  liii.  2,  3.    Heb.  xii.  not. 

1>,  3.  d  Matt,  xxvii.  26.  And  when 
y  Matt.  iv.  1  to  12.  Then  he  had  scourged  Jesus,  he  de- 
was  Jesus  led  up  of  the  Spirit  livered  him  to  be  crucified. 
into  the  wilderness,  to  be  John  xix.  34.  Luke  xxii.  63, 
tempted  of  the  devil,  &c.  Luke  64. 
iv.  verse  1  to  14.  c  Luke  xxii.  44.     And  being 

*  Heb.  ii.  17,  18.  Wherefore  in  an  agony,  he  prayed  more 
in  all  things  it  behoved  him  to  earnestly,  and  his  sweat  was 
be  made  like  unto  his  brethren,  as  it  were  great  drops  of  blood 
— For  in  that  he  himself  hath  falling  down  to  the  ground, 
suffered,  being  tempted,  he  is  Matt,  xxvii.  46.  And  about 
able  to  succour  them  that  are  the  ninth  hour,  Jesus  cried  with 
tempted.  Heb.  iv.  15.  Is.  lii.  a  loud  voice. — Eli,  Eli,  lama 
J  4.  sabachthani,— My  God,  my  God , 

*  Matt,  xxvii.  4.  why  hast  thou  "forsaken   me  ? 

*  Mat;,  xxvi.  56.    Then  all  Rom.  viii.  32.    Luke  .xxii.  23., 


The  Larger  Catechism.  177 

an  offering  for  sin  f,  enduring  the  painful,  shame- 
ful, and  cursed  death  of  the  cross  *. 

Q.  50.  Wherein  consisted  Christ's  humiliation 
after  his  death  ? 

A.  Christ's  humiliation  after  his  death,  consist- 
ed  in  his  being  buried  h,  and  continuing  in  the 
state  of  the  dead,  and  under  the  power  of  death 
till  the  third  day  \  which  hath  been  otherwise  ex- 
pressed in  these  words,  He  descended  into  helL 

Q.  51.  What  was  the  estate  of  Chris? s  exalta- 
tion ? 

A.  The  estate  of  Christ's  exaltation  compre- 
hendeth  his  resurrection1",  ascension1,  sitting  at 
the  right  hand  of  the  Father  ra,  and  his  coming 
again  to  judge  the  world  n. 

Q.  52.  How  was  Christ  exalted  in  his  resurrec- 
tion ? 

A.  Christ  was  exalted  in  his  resurrection,  in 
that,  not  having  seen  corruption   in    death  (of 

f  Is.  53.  10.  Thou  shalt  make  k  1  Cor.  xv.  4.    And  that  he 

his  soui  an  offering  for  sin.  rose  again  the  third  day,  ac- 

*  Phil.  ii.  8.  And  being  found  cording  to  the  scriptures*, 

in  fashion  as  a  man,  he  hum-  i    m^    xvj     19     So  then 

bltd  himself,  and  became  obe-  ^far  fa  Lor(l  had  ;poken  unt0 

dient     unto    death,    even    the  th        he  was  receife(1  up  int0 

death  of  the   cross.     Heb.   xn.  hcavcn# 

' h  1  Cor.  xv.  3  4.  m  Eph*   *•  20.     And  set  him 

xii.40,  'For  as  Jonas  ^  his  own  right  hand. 

;'id  three  nights  B  Acts  i    11.    The  same  Jc- 

in  the  whale's  belly;   so  shall  sus  who  is  taken  up  from   you 

the  Son  oi  man   be  three  days  into  heaven,   shall  so  ccme  in 

and  three  nights  in  the  heart  like   manner  as  ye  have  seen 

of    the    earth.       Ps.    xvi.    10.  him    go    into    heaver;       Acts 

compared  with  Acts  ii.  24,  25,  xvi!.  31 
:6.     Rem  vi.  9. 


178  The  Larger  Catechism. 

which  it  was  not  possible  for  him  to  be  held  °)  and 
having  the  very  same  body  in  whicli  he  suffered, 
with  the  essential  properties  thereof1*,  (but  with* 
out  mortality  and  other  common  infirmities  be- 
longing to  this  life)  really  united  to  his  soulq,  he 
rose  again  from  the  dead  the  third  day  by  his  own 
power r ;  whereby  he  declared  himself  to  be  the 
Son  of  God  %  to  have  satisfied  divine  justice *,  to 
have  vanquished  death,  and  him  that  had  the  pow- 
er of  it  u,  and  to  be  Lord  of  quick  and  dead  w. 
All  which  he  did  as  a  public  person  *,  the  head 
of  his  church  y,   for  their  justification2,  quicken- 

°  Acts  ii.  24.  Whom  God  that  condemneth  ?  it  is  Christ 
hath  raised  up,  having  loosed  that  died,  yea  rather  that  is  ri~ 
the  pains  of  death  :  because  it  sen  again,  who  is  even  ai  the 
was  not  possible  that  he  should  right  hand  of  God. 
be  holden  of  it.  Ps.  xvi. 10.  u  Heb.  ii  14.  That  through 
For  thou  wilt  not  leave  my  death  he  might  destroy  him 
soul  in  hell;  neither  wilt  thou  thatiiad  the  power  of  death, 
suffer  thine  holy  one  to  see  that  is  the  devil, 
corruption.  w  Rom.  xiv.  9.    For  to  this 

p  Luke  xxiv.  39.    Behold  my  end  Christ  both  died,  and  rose, 
hands  and  my  feet,  that  it  is  I  and  revived,  that  he  might  be 
myself:   handle   me   and  see;   Lord    both  of   the    dead   and 
for  a  spirit  hath  not  flesh  and  living, 
bones,  as  ye  see  me  have.  ■  x    1   Cor.   xv.    21,  22.    For 

*  Rev.  i.  18.  I  am  he  that  since  by  man  came  death,  by 
liveth  and  was  dead  ;  and  be-  man  came  also  the  resurrection 
hold  I  am  alive  for  evermore,  of  the  dead.  For  as  in  Adam 
Amen;  and  have  the  keys  of  all  die,  even  so  in  Christ  shall 
hell  and  of  death.  all  be  made  alive. 

r  John  x.  18.  No  man  taketh  x  Eph.  i.  20.  22,  23.     And 

it  from  me,  but  I  lay  it  down  gave  him  to  be  the  head  over 

of  myself:  I  have  power  to  lay  all  things  to  the  church,  which 

it  down,  and  I  have  power  to  is  his  body,   the  fulness'  of  him 

take  it  again.  that  filleth   all  in  all.     Col.  \. 

*  Rom.   i.    4.     And  declared  18. 

to  be  the  Son  of  God  with  l  Rom.  iv.  25.  Who  was 
power,  according  to  the  Spirit  delivered  for  our  offences,  and 
of  holiness,  by  the  resurrection  was  raised  again  for  our  justU 
from  the  dead.  fication. 

*  Rom.  viii.  34.    Who  is  he 


The  Larger  Catechism.  179 

ing  in  grace*,  support  against  enemies  b,  and  to 
assure  them  of  their  resurrection  from  the  dead 
at  the  last  day c. 

Q.  53.  How  was  Christ  exalted  in  his  ascension  ? 

A.  Christ  was  exalted  in  his  ascension,  in  that 
having,  after  his  resurrection,  often  appeared  unto, 
and  conversed  with  his  apostles,  speaking  to  them 
of  the  things  pertaining  to  the  kingdom  of  God d, 
and  giving  them  commission  to  preach  the  gospel 
to  all  nations  e  ;  forty  days  after  his  resurrection, 
he,  in  our  nature,  and  as  our  head f,  triumphing 
over  enemies  r,  visibly  went  up  into  the  highest 
heavens,  there  to  receive  gifts  for  men h,  to  raise 
up  our  affections  thither1,  aud  to  prepare  a  place 
for  us  k,  where  himself  is  and  shall  continue  till 

*  Eph.  ii.  1.  5,  6   Even  when  therefore  and  teach  all  nations, 

we  were  dead    in    sins,  hath  &c.  Mark  xvi.  15. 
quickened    us    together    with        f  Heb,  vi.  20.     Whither  the 

Christ.     Col.  ii.  12.  forerunner  is  for    us    entered* 

h  I  Cor.  xv.  25,  26.     For  he  even  Jesus,  made  an  high  priest 

must  reign,  till  he  hath  put  all  for  ever. — See  also  letter  <'. 
enemies  under  his  feet.     The        *  Eph.  iv.  8.     Wherefore  he 

last  enemy  that  shall  be   de-  saith,  When  he  ascended  up  on 

strove d  is  death.  high,  he  led  captivity  captive, 

c  1  Cor.  xv.  20.     But  now  is  and  gave  gifts  unto  men. 
Christ   risen    from    the    dead,       h  Acts  i    9,    10,  11.     While 

and  become  the  first-fruits  of  they  beheld,  he  was  taken  up, 

them  that  slept.  and   a  cloud  received  him  out 

d   Acts    i.  2,   3.     Until    the  of  their    sight.     Ps.   lxviii.   18. 

day  in  which  he  was  taken  up,  Thou  hast  ascended  on  high  : — 

after  that  he  through  the  HoJy  'thou    hast    received    gifts    for 

Ghost    had    given    command-  men  ;   yea,  for  the    rebellious 

ments  unto  the  apostles  whom  also,  that  the  Lord  God  might 

he  had  chosen.    1  o  whom  also  dwell  among  them. 
he  shewed  himself  alive  after       J  Col.  iii.  1,  2.    If  ye  then  be 

his  passion,  by  many  infallible  risen   with   Christ,   seek  those 

proofs,     being    teen    of    them  things  which  are  abo\e,  where 

forty    days,    and    speaking    of  Christ  sitteth  on  the  right  hand 


the    things  pertaining    to    the   of  God 
kingdom  of  God. 


*  John  xiv.  1,2.    I  go  to  pre- 
■  Matt  xxviii.  19,  CO.  Go  ye   pare  a  place  for  ycu. 


180  The  Larger  Catechism. 

his  second  coming  at  the  end   of  the   world1* 

Q.  54.  How  is  Christ  exalted  in  his  sitting  at  the 
right  hand  of  God  ? 

A.  Christ  is  exalted  in  his  sitting  at  the  right 
hand  of  God,  in  that  as  God-man  he  is  advanced 
to  the  highest  favour  with  God  the  Father  m,  with 
all  fulness  of  joy n,  glory0,  and  power  over  all 
things  in  heaven  and  earth  p ;  and  doth  gather  and 
defend  his  church,  and  subdue  their  enemies; 
furnisheth  his  ministers  and  people  with  gifts  and 
graces  n,  and  maketh  intercession  for  them  r. 

Q.  55.  How  doth  Christ  make  intercession  ? 

A.  Christ  maketh  intercession,  by  his  appear- 
ing in  our  nature  continually  before  the  Father  in 
heaven ',  in  the  merit  of  his  obedience  and  sacri* 
fice  on  earth l,  declaring  his  will  to  have  it  applied 
to  all  believers  u,  answering  all  accusations  against 

1   Acts  iii.  21.    Whom    the  <J  Eph.  iv.    11,    12.     Ps,  ex. 

heaven  must  receive  until  the  throughout, 

times  of  restitution  of  all  things.  r  Rom.  viii.  34. 

m    Phil.    ii.    9       Wherefore  «  Heb.  ix.  24.     For  Christ  is. 

God   also  hath  highly  exalted  not  entered  into  the  holy  places 

him,   and   given   him   a  name  made  with   hands,   which  are 

which  is  above  every  name.  the   figures  of  the  true  ;   but 

°  Acts  ii.    28.     Thou   shalt  into  heaven  itself,  now  to  ap- 

make  me  full  of  joy  with  thy  pear  in  the  presence  of   God 

countenance.    Compared  with,  for  us. 

Ps.  xvi.  11.  «  Heb.  i.   3.     When  he  had 

°  John  xvii.  5.     And  now  O  by  himself  purged  our  sins,  sat 

Father,  glorify  thou  me  with  down  on  the  right  hand  of  the 

thine  own  self,  with  the  glory  Majesty  on  high, 

which   I  had  with  thee  before  u  John  xvii.  9.  20.  24.     Fa- 

the  world  was.  ther  I  will  that  they  also  whom 

p  Eph.  i.  22.  And  he  hath  put  thou  hast  given  me"  be  with  me1 

all  things  under  his  feet,   and  where  I  am :    that  they  may 

gave  him  to  be  head  over  all  behold  my  glory   which  thou 

things  to  the  church.     1  Pet.  hast  given  me. 
iii.  22. 


The  Larger  Catechism. 


181 


themw;  and  procuring  for  them  quiet  of  con- 
science, notwithstanding  daily  failings  x,  access 
with  boldness  to  the  throne  of  grace*,  and  ac- 
ceptance of  their  persons  ■  and  services  \ 

Q  56.  How  is  Christ  to  be  exalted  in  his  coming 
again  to  judge  the  world? 

A.  Christ  is  to  be  exalted  in  his  coming  ag  »in 
to  judge  the  world,  in  that  he,  who  was  unjustly 
judged  and  condemned  by  wicked  men  b,  shall 
come  again  at  the  last  day  in  great  power  c,  and 
in  the  full  manifestation  of  his  own  glory,  and  of 
his  Father's,  with  all  his  holy  angels d,  with  a 
shout,  with  the  voice  of  the  archangel,  and  with 
the  trumpet  of  God e,  to  judge  the  world  in  right- 
eousness f. 


•'  Rom.  viii.  33,  34.  Who 
shall  lay  any  thing  to  the 
charge  of  God's  elect  ?  It  is 
God  that  justifteth :  Who  is 
he  that  condemncth  ?  It  is 
Christ  that  died,  yea,  rather 
that  is  risen  again,  who  is  even 
at  the  right  hand  of  God,  who 
also  maketh  intercession  for  us. 

*  1  John  ii  1,  2.  If  any  man 
sin,  we  have  an  advocate  with 
the  Father,  Jesus  Christ  the 
righteous.     Rom.  v.  1. 

ly  Heb.  iv.  15,  16.  Let  us 
therefore  come  boldly  unto  the 
throne  of  grace,  that  we  may 
obtain  mercy,  and  find  grace  to 
help  in  tim-   of  m 

*  Eph.  i  G  To  the  praise 
of  the  glory  of  his  grace,  where- 
in he  hath  made  us  accepted 
in  the  Belo 

*  1  Pet.  ii.  5.  Ye  also  as 
lively  stones  are  built  up  a  spi- 

l  ritual  house,  an  holy  priesthood 
r.o  offer  up  spiritual  sacrifices 


acceptable  to  Gcd  by  Jesus 
Christ.     Rev.  viii.  3,  4." 

b  Acts  ii i-  14,  15.  But  ye 
denied  the  Holy  One,  and  the 
Just,  and  desired  a  murderer 
to  be  granted  unto  you,  and 
killed  the  Prince  of  life. 

e  Matt.  xxiv.  30.  And  then 
shall  all  the  tribes  of  the  earth 
mourn,  and  they  shall  see  the 
Son  of  man  coming  in  the 
clouds  of  heaven,  with  power 
and  great  glory. 

d  Luke  ix.  26.  For  whoso- 
ever shall  be  ashamed  of  me, 
and  of  my  w.>rds,  of  him  shall 
S  n  of  man  be  ashamed, 
when  he  shall  come  in  his  own 
glory,  and  his  Father's,  and  of 
the  holy  angels.  Matt    xxv  31 

r  1  Thesa    iv.  L6. 

from  heaven  with  a  shout,  with 
ice  of  the  archangel,  and 
with  the  trump  of  l*od 
1  Acts  xvii.  el      B< 


182  The  Larger  Catechism. 

Q.  57.  What  benefits  hath  Christ  procured  by 
his  mediation? 

A.  Christ  by  his  mediation  hath  procured  re- 
demption g,  with  all  other  benefits  of  the  cove- 
nant of  grace  h. 

Q.  58.  How  do  we  come  to  be  made  partakers  of 
the  benefits  which  Christ  hath  procured? 

A.  We  are  made  partakers  of  the  benefits  which 
Christ  hath  procured,  by  the  application  of  them 
unto  us  \  which  is  the  work  especially  of  God 
the  Holy  Ghost k. 

Q.  59.  Who  are  made  partakers  of  redemption 
through  Christ  ? 

A.  Redemption  is  certainly  applied,  and  effec- 
tually communicated,  to  all  those  for  whom  Christ 
hath   purchased  it l ;    who  are    in   time   by    the 

hath   appointed  a  day,  in  the  k  Tit.  iii.  5,  6.  But  according 

which  he  will  juc'ge  the  world  to  his  mercy  he  saved  us,  by 

in  righteousness,  by  that  man  the  washing   of   regeneration, 

whom  he  hath  ordained:  where-  and    renewing    of    the     Holy 

of  he  hath  given  assurance  unto  Ghost.    John  xvi.  7,  8. 

all  men,  in  that  he  hath  raised  '  John  vi.   37.  39.     All  that 

him  from  the  dead.  the   Father   giveth    me,    shall 

*  Heb.  ix.  12.  Neither  by  come  to  me;  and  him  that 
the  blood  of  goats  and  calves,  cometh  to  me,  I  will  in  no  wise 
but  by  his  own  blood,  he  enter-  cast  out.  And  this  is  the  Fa- 
ed  in  once  into  the  holy  place,  ther's  will  who  hath  sent  me, 
having  obtained  eternal  re-  that  of  all  which  he  hath  given 
demption  for  us.  me,  I  should  lose  nothing,  but 

b  2  Cor.  i.   20.     For  all  the  should  raise  it  up  again  at  the 

promises  of  God  in  him  are  yea,  last  day     John  x.  15,  16.     I  lay 

and   in   him   Amen,    unto  the  down   my   life    for   the   sheep, 

glory  of  God  by  us.  And  other  sheep  I  have,  which 

*  John  i.  12.  But  as  many  as  are  not  of  this  fold :  them  also 
received  him  to  them  gave  he  I  must  bring,  and  they  shall 
power  to  become  the  sons  of  hear  my  voice.  Eph.  i.  13, 
God,  even  to  them  that  believe  14. 
on  his  name. 


The  Larger  Catechism,  183 

Holy  Ghost  enabled  to  believe  in  Christ,  accord- 
ing to  the  gospel m. 

Q.60.  Can  they  who  have  never  heard  the  gos- 
pel, and  so  know  not  Jesus  Christ,  nor  believe  in 
him,  be  saved  by  their  living  according  to  the  light 
of  nature  ? 

A.  They  who  having  never  heard  the  gospel n, 
know  not  Jesus  Christ0,  and  believe  not  in  him, 
cannot  be  saved p,  be  they  never  so  diligent  to 
frame  their  lives  according  to  the  light  of  nature  p, 
or  the  laws  of  that  religion  which  they  profess r ; 
neither  is  there  salvation  in  any  other,  but  in 
Christ  alone s,  who  is  the  Saviour  only  of  his  body 
the  church  \ 

Q.  61.  Are  all  they  saved  who  hear  the  gospel, 
and  live  in  the  church  ? 

A.  All  that  hear  the  gospel,  and  live  in  the  vi- 
sible church,  arc  not  saved ;  but  only  they  who 
are  true  members  of  die  church  invisible  u. 

rl  Eph.   ii.  8.    For  by  grace  He  that  believeth  not  shall  be 

are  ye    saved,  through   faith  ;  damned. 

that  not  of  yourselves  :  it  ^  1  Cor.  i.  20.  to  25. 

is  the  gift  of  God"   Win  iii.  56.  ■  John  iv.  22.  Phil,  iii,  4.  to  10. 

a    Rom.    x.    15.     How    then  »    Acts   iv.    12.     Neither    is 

shall  they  call  on  him  in  whom  there  salvation  in  any  other:  for 

rhey  have   not  believed?  and  there  is  none  other  name  under 

how  shall  they  believe  in  him  heaven  given  among  men  where- 

\om  they  have  not  heard  ?  by  we  must  be  saw 

and  how  shall  they  1  ■»  c  Eph.  v.  23.  Even  as  Chris" 

out  a  |  of    the  cbo 

°  2  Thess.  i  tt,  9.  In  flaming  and   he   is   the                    t   the 
nee  on  then 

that  know  not  G                that  ■"Rom,  ix.  6.    They  are  not 

obev    no|   the     gospel    of    our  all   Israel,   who  are  of  Israel. 

Lord  Jesus  •    vii.   21.     Not    • 

p  John  viii.  24.    K  ye  believe  that  laith  unto                 .  Lord, 

not  that  I  am  he,   ye  shall  die  shall  enter  int                    lorn  of 

i     Mark   xvi.   16.  heaven:  but  he  that  dceth  the 


184  The  Larger  Catechism. 

Q.  62.  What  is  the  visible  church? 

A.  The  visible  church  is  a  society  made  up  of 
all  such  as  in  all  ages  and  places  of  the  world  do 
profess  the  true  religion  w,  and  of  their  children  x. 

Q.  63.  What  are  the  special  privileges  of  the 
visible  church  ? 

A  The  visible  church  hath  the  privilege  of  be- 
ing under  God's  special  care  and  government7; 
of  being  protected  and  preserved  in  all  ages,  not- 
withstanding  the  opposition  of  all  enemies2 ;  and 
of  enjoying  the  communion  of  saints,  the  ordinary 
means  of  salvation  %  and  offers  of  grace  by  Christ, 
to  all  members  of  it,  in  the  ministry  of  the  gospel, 
testifying  that  whosoever  believes  in  him  shall 
be   saved  b,  and  excluding  none  that  will  come 

will  of  my  Father  who  is  in  shall  be  a  tabernacle  for  a  sha- 
heaven.  Matt.  xxii.  14.  John  dow  in  the  day  time  from  the 
xii.  38,  39,  40-  heat,  and  for  a  place  of  refuge, 

w  1  Cor.  i.  2.  Unto  the  and  for  a  covert  from  storm 
church  of  God  which  is  at  Co-  and  from  rain.  1  Tim.  iv.  10. 
rinth,  tothem  that  are  sanctifi-  *  Matt.  xvi.  18.  And  upon 
ed  in  Christ  Jesus,  called  to  be  this  rock  I  will  build  my 
saints,  with  all  that  in  every  church  :  and  the  gates  of  hell 
place  call  upon  the  name  of  shall  not  prevail  against  it.  Is. 
Christ  Jesus  our  Lord,  theirs  xxxi.  4,  5.  Zee.  xii.  2,  3,  4.  8, 
and  ours.  1  Cor.  xii.  13.  Horn.  9.  Ex.  iii.  2,  3.  Ps.  cxv. 
xv.  9.  to  13.  Matt,  xxviii.  19,  throughout. 
20i  *  Acts  ii.  42.    They  continu- 

"  Acts  ii  39.  For  the  pro-  ed  stedfastly  in  the  apostles' 
mise  is  unto  you  and  to  your  doctrine  and  fellowship,  and  in 
children.  1  Cor.  viL  14.  Rom  breaking  of  bread,  and  in 
xi   16.     Gen.  xvii.  7.  prayers. 

y  Is.  iv.  5,  6.  And  the  b  Ps.  cxlvii.  19,  20.  He 
Lord  will  create  upon  every  sheweth  his  word  unto  Jacob, 
dwelling-place  of  mount  Zion,  his  statutes  and  his  judgments 
and  upon  her  assemblies  a  unto  Israel.  He  hath  not  dealt 
cloud  and  smoke  by  day,  and  so  with  any  nation;  and  as  for 
the  shining  of  a  flaming  fire  by  his  judgments,  they  have  not 
night:  for  upon  all  the  glory  known  them.  Rom.  ix.  4. 
shall  be  a  defence.    And  there   Mark  xvi,  15,  16.    Preach  the 


The  Larger  Catechish  185 

unto  him  c. 

Q.  64.  What  is  the  invisible  church  ? 

A.  The  invisible  church  is  the  whole  number  of 
the  elect,  that  have  been,  are,  or  shall  be  gathered 
into  one  under  Christ  the  headd. 

Q.  65.  What  special  benefits  do  the  members  of 
the  invisible  church  enjoy  by  Christ  ? 

A.  The  members  of  the  invisible  church,  by 
Christ,  enjoy  union  and  communion  with  him  in 
grace  and  glory  e. 

Q.  66.  What  is  that  union  which  the  elect  have 
with  Christ  ? 

J.  The  union  which  the  elect  have  with  Christ 
is  the  work  of  God's  grace  f,  whereby  they  are 
spiritually  and  mystically,  yet  really  and  insepa- 
rably, joined  to  Christ  as  their  head  and  husband e; 

gospel  to  every  creature.     He  one  shepherd      Eph.  i.  22,  1A 
that  believeth,  and  is  baptized,        e  J>hn  xvii.  21.     That  they 

shall  be   saved.     Acts  xvi.  31.  all  may  be  one,  as  thou,  Father 

Is.  xlv.  22.     Rev.  xxii.  17.  art  in  me,  and  1  in  thee;  that 

c  John  vi.  37.    And  him  that  they  also  may  be  one  in  us. — 

cometh  to  me,  1  will  in  no  wise  Eph.  ii.  5,  6. "  1  John  i.  3.  And 

cast  out  truly  our  fellowship  is  with  the 

d  Eph.  i.    10.     That   in  the  Father,  and  with  his  S^n  Jesus 

dispensation   of  the   fulness   of  Christ.     John  xvii.  24.   Father, 

times,  he   might  gather  toge-  I    will    that    they    also  wh 

ther  in  one  all  dungs  in  Christ,  thou  hast  given  me  be  with  me    ' 

b  which  are  in  heaven,  and  where  I  am ;  that  they  may  be- 

which  are   on  earth  ;   even  in  hold  my  glory, 
him.     John    xi.    52.     And    not        f    Eph.    ii.    6,   7,  8.     For  by 

for  that  nation  only,   but  that  grace   are   ye  saved,   through 

also  he  should  gather  together  faith:    and   that   not  of   your- 

in    one    the    children    of    God  selves :  it  is  the  gift  of  God 
that    were    scattered     abroad.        I  1  Cor.  vi    17.     But 

John  x.   16.     And  other  sheep  is  joined  to  the  Lord,   is  one 

I  have,  which  are  not   of  this  spirit.      John    x     28.      And    I 

fold:  them  also  I  must   bring,  will    give    unto    them    eternal 

and  they  shall  hear   my  voice,  life,  and  they  shall  never  perish, 

and  there  shall  be  one  fold,  and  neither  shall   anv  pluck  them 

Q2 


186  The  Larger  Catechism. 

which   is   done   in  their  effectual  calling  ua 

Q.  67.  What  is  effectual  calling  ? 

A.  Effectual  calling  is  the  work  of  God's  al- 
mighty power  and  grace1,  whereby  (out  of  his 
free  and  especial  love  to  his  elect,  and  from  no- 
tiling  in  them  moving  him  thereunto k)  he  doth 
in  his  accepted  time  invite  and  draw  them  to  Jesus 
Christ,  by  his  word  and  Spirit1 ;  savingly  enlight- 

out  of  my  hand-    Eph.  v.  23.  tion,  and  renewing  of  the  Holy 

30. — Even    as    Christ    is    the  Ghost.     Eph.  ii.  4  to  10.    God 

head  of  the  church. — For  we  who  is  rich  in  mercy,  for  his 

are  members  of  his  body,  of  great  love  wherewith  he  loved 

his  flesh,  and  of  his  bones  us,  even  when  we  were  dead 

h  1  Cor.  i.  9.     God  is  faith-  in  sins,   hath  quickened  us  to- 

ful,   by  whom  ye  were  called  gether  with  Christ,  (by  grace 

unto  the  fellowship  of  his  Son  ye  are  saved)  Not  of  works, 

Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     1  Pet.  lest    any    man    should    boast 

v.  10.  Rom.    ix.    11. — According    to 

1  Eph.  i.  18,  19,  20.  That  election  might  stand,  not  of 
ye  may  know  what  is  the  hope  works,  but  of  him  that  calleth. 
of  his  calling — and  what  is  the  l  2  Cor.  v.  20.  Now  then 
exceeding  greatness  of  his  we  are  ambassadors  for  Christ, 
power  to  us-ward  who  believe,  as  though  God  did  beseech 
according  to  the  working  of  you  by  us ;  we  pray  you  in 
his  mighty  power,  which  he  Christ's  stead,  be  ye  reconciled 
wrought  in  Christ,  when  he  to  God.  2  Cor.  vi.  2.  Behold, 
raised  him  from  the  dead,  and  now  is  the  accepted  time:  be- 
set him  at  his  own  right  hand  hold,  now  is  the  day  of  sal  va- 
in the  heavenly  places.  2  Tim.  tion.  John  vi.  44.  No  man  can 
it  8,  9. — Who  hath  saved  us  come  to  me,  except  the  Father 
and  called  us  with  arwholy  call-  who  hath  seut  me  draw  him  : 
ing,  not  according  to  our  works,  and  I  will  raise  him  up  at  the 
but  according  to  his  own  pur-  last  day.  2  Thess.  ii.  13,  14. 
pose  and  grace,  which  was  But  we  are  bound  to  give  thanks 
given  us  in  Christ  Jesus,  before  alway  to  God  for  you,  brethren, 
the  world  began.  beloved  of  the  Lord,  because 

k    Tit.  iii.   4,    5     But  after  God  hath  from   the  beginning 

that  the  kindness  and  love  of  chosen  you  to  salvation,  through 

God  our  Saviour  appeared,  not  sanctification  of  the  Spirit,  and 

by     works     of     righteousness  belief  of  the  truth  :  whereunto 

which  we  have  done,  but  ac-  he  called  you  by  our  gospel,  to 

cording  to  his  mercv  he  saved  the    obtaining  of  the  glory  of 

us,  by  the  washing  of  regenera-  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 


The  Ijarger  Catechism.  187 

ening  their  minds  m,  renewing  and  powerfully  de- 
termining their  wills",  so  as  they  (although  in 
themselves  dead  in  sin)  are  hereby  made  willing 
and  able,  freely  to  answer  his  call,  and  to  accept 
and  embrace  the  grace  offered  and  conveyed 
therein  °. 

Q.  68.  Are  the  elect  only  effectually  called? 

A.  All  the  elect,  and  they  only,  are  effectually 
called  p ;  although  others  may  be  and  often  are 
outwardly  called  by  the  ministry  of  the  word q, 
and  have  some  common  operations  of  the  Spirit r ; 
who,  for  their  wilful  neglect  and  contempt  of  the 
grace  offered  to  them,  being  justly  left  in  their 
unbelief,  do  never  truly  come  to  Jesus  Christ  \ 

m    Acts  xxvi.  18.    To  open  are  called,  but  few  are  chosen, 
their  eyes,  and  to  turn  them        r  Matt.  xiii.  20,  21.     But  he 

from    darkness    to    light,    and  that  received  the  seed  into  sto- 

from  the  power  of  Satan  unto  ny  places,  the  same  is  he  that 

Gcxl,    that  they    may   receive  heareth  the  word  :  yet  hath  he 

forgiveness  of  sins,  and   inhe-  not  root  in  himself,  but  dureth 

ritance  among  them  who  are  for  a  while :   for  when  tribula- 

sanctified  by  faith  that  is  in  me.  tion,  or  persecution  ariseth  bc- 

n    Ez.    xi.    19.     And    I    will  cause  of  the  word,   by  and   by 

put  a  new  spirit  within  you  ;  he  is  offended.  Heb.  vi.  4,  5,  6. 
and  I  will  tuke  the  stony  heart       ■  Ps.   lxxxi.  11,  12.     But  my 

out  of  their  ftVsh,  and  will  give  people   would  not  hearken    to 

them   an   heart  of  flesh.     Ez.  my    voice :    and   Israel    would 

xxxvi.  26,  27.  none  of  me  :   So  I   gave  them 

0    John    vi.    45.      And    they  up  unto  their  own  hearts'  lust : 

shall    be    all    taught    of    God.  and  they  walked  in   their  own 

Every  man  therefore,  that  hath  counsels.     John  xii.   38,  39,  40. 

heard  and  hath  learned  of  the  That  the  saying  of  Esaias  the 

Father,  rometh  unto  me.    PhD.  prrphet    might     be      fulfilled, 

ii.  13.   Ft  it  is  God  that  work-  which    he   spake,    Lord,   who 

eth  in   you  fxth  to  will  and  to  hath  believed  our  report?  and  - 

do  of  his  c;(>od  pleasure     Dtut.  to  whom  hath  the  arm  of  the 

xxx.  6.    Eph   ii.  5.  I^ord  been    revealed  ?    There- 

p  Acts  xiii   48.  And  as  many  fore    they    muld    not    believe, 

as  were  ordained  to  eternal  life,  because  Esaias  said  again,  He 

belie v  hath   blinded    their   eyes,   and 

*  Matt.  xxii.  14.    For  many  hardened    their    heart;    that 


188  The  Larger  Catechism. 

Q.  69.  What  is  the  communion  in  grace,  which 
the  members  of  the  invisible  church  have  with 
Christ  ? 

A.  The  communion  in  grace,  which  the  mem- 
bers of  the  invisible  church  have  with  Christ,  is 
their  partaking  of  the  virtue  of  his  mediation,  in 
their  justification  %  adoption u,  sanctification,  and 
whatever  else  in  this  life  manifests  their  union 
with  him  w. 

Q.  70.  What  is  justification  ? 

A.  Justification  is  an  act  of  God's  free  grace 
unto  sinners  x,  in  which  he  pardoneth  all  their  sin, 
accepteth  and  accounteth  their  persons  righteous 
in  his  sight y ;  not  for  any  thing  wrought  in  them, 
or  done  by  them  %  but  only  for  the  perfect  obedi- 

they  should  not  see  with  their  all,  and  upon  all  them  that  be- 

eyes,  nor  understand  with  their  lieve ;   for   there  is  no  differ- 

heart,   and  be  converted,  and  ence.     Being  justified  freely  by 

I    should    heal    them.      Acts  his  grace,  through  the  redemp- 

xxviii.  25,  26,  27.    John  vi.  64,  tion    that    is   in  Jesus  Christ. 

65.   Prov.  i.  24.  verse  to  the  3.1.  Rom.  iv.  5. 

Ps.  xcv.  from  verse   9  to  the  »  2  Cor.   v.  19.  21.    To  wit, 

end.  that  God  was  in  Christ,  recon- 

c  Rom.    viii.  30     Moreover,  ciling  the  world  unto  himself, 

whom    he     did    predestinate,  not  imputing  their  trespasses 

them  he  also  called;  and  whom  unto  them.    For  he  hath  made 

he  called,  them  he  also  justifi-  him  to  be  sin  for  us,  who  knew 

ed  ;    and   whom    he  justified,  no  sin  ;  that  we  might  be  made 

them  he  also  glorified.  the    righteousness   of    God    in 

*  Eph.  i.  5.  Having  pre-  him.  Rom.  iii.  22.  24,  25. 
destinated  us  unto  the  adoption  Even  the  righteousness  of  God 
of  children  by  Jesus  Christ  to  which  is  by  faith  of  Jesus  Christ 
himself.  unto  all,  and  upon  all  them  that 

w  1  Cor.  i.  30.     But  of  him  believe, 

are  ye  in  Christ  Jesus,  who  of  a  Eph.  i.  6  and  7.    Wherein 

God  is  made  unto  us  wisdom,  he  hath   made  us  accepted  in 

and  righteousness,  and  sanctifi-  the    Beloved ;    In    whom    we 

cation,  and  redemption.  have    redemption  through  his 

*  Rom.  iii.  22.  24,  25.  Even  blood,  the  forgiveness  of  sin, 
ihe  righteousness  of  God,  which  according  to  the  riches  of  his 
's  by  faith  of  Jesus  Christ  unto  grace.    Kom.  iii.  28.    There- 


The  Larger  Catechism. 


189 


ence  and  full  satisfaction  of  Christ,  by  God  im- 
puted to  them  a,  and  received  by  faith  alone  b'. 

Q.  71.  How  is  justification  an  act  of  God's  free 
grace  ? 

A.  Although  Christ,  by  his  obedience  and 
death,  did  make  a  proper,  real,  and  full  satisfaction 
to  God's  justice  in  the  behalf  of  them  that  are 
justified c :  Yet  in  as  much  as  God  accepteth  the 
satisfaction  from  a  surety,  which  he  might  have  de- 
manded of  them;  and  did  provide  this  surety, 
his   only   Son d,    imputing   his    righteousness   to 


fore  we  conclude,  that  a  man 
i:>  justified  by  faith  without  the 
deeds  of  the  law. 

a  Horn.  iii.  22.  24,  25.  Being 
justified  freely  by  his  grace, 
through    the   redemption   that 

is    in   Jesus    Christ. Whom 

God  hath  set  forth  to  be  a  pro- 
pitiation, through  faith  in  his 
blood.  Rom.  v.  17,  18,  19. 
Much  more  they  who  receive 
abundance  of  grace,  and  of  the 
gift  of  righteousness,  shall 
reign  in  life  by  one,  Jesus  Christ. 
— By  the  obedience  of  one, 
shall  many  be  made  righteous. 
Rom.  iv  6,  7,  S.  Even  as  Da- 
vid also  describeth  the  blessed- 
ness of  the  man  unto  whom 
(rod  imputeth  righteousness 
without  works,  Sec. 

b  Rom   v    l.     Therefore  be- 
ing justified  by  faith,  we  have 
:.     Acts  x.    43. 
To  him  gave*  all  the  prophets 
witness,  that  through  his  name 
i     in    bin), 
ive  remission  of  sins. 
Gal.  ii.  16.     Phil  iii.  9.     Rom. 
>,  26. 

Matt.  :<x.  28    Even  as  the 
of  man  came  not  to  be  mi- 


nistered unto,  but  to  minister, 
and  to  give  his  life  a  ransom 
(or  price  of  redemption)  for 
manv.  See  also  1  Tim.  ii.  6. 
1  Pet.  i.  18,  19.  For  as  much 
as  ye  know  that  ye  were  not 
redeemed  with  corruptible 
things,  as  silver  and  gold  ; — 
but  with  the  precious  blood  of 
Christ,  as  of  a  lamb  without 
blemish  and  without  spot.  Rom. 
v.  8,  9,  10.  While  we  were 
yet  sinners,  Christ  died  for  us. 
d  Dan.  ix.  24.  26. — Is.  xxxiii. 
6.  10,  11,  12.  And  the  Lord 
hath  laid  on  him  the  iniquity 
of  us  all.  Yet  it  pleased  the 
Lord  to  bruise  him,  he  hath 
put  him  to  grief:  when  thou 
shalt  make  his  soul  an  offering 
for  sin,  he  shall  see  his  seea, 
he  shall  prolong  his  da\  s,  and 
the  pleasure  oi  the  Lord  shall 
prosper  in  his  hand.  He  shall 
see  of  the  travail  of  his  soul, 
and  shall  be  satisfied. — There- 
fore will  I  divide  him  a  portion 
with  the  great,  and  he  shall 
divide  the  spoil  with  the  strong: 
because  he  hath  poured  out  his 
soul  unto  death;  and  he 
numbered  with  the  transgre? 


190 


The  Larger  Catechism. 


them  e,  and  requiring  nothing  of  them  for  their 
justification  but  faith  f,  which  also  is  his  gift*, 
their  justification  is  to  them  of  free  grace11. 

Q.  72.  What  is  justifying  faith  ? 

//.  Justifying  faith  is  a  saving  grace  \  wrought 
in  the  heart  of  a  sinner  by  the  Spirit k  and  word 
of  God l ;  whereby  he,  being  convinced  of  his  sin 
and  misery,  and  of  the  disability  in  himself  and 
all  other  creatures  to  recover  him  out  of  his  lost 
condition  m,  not  only  assenteth  to  the  truth  of  the 
promise  of  the  gospel11,  but  receiveth  and  resteth 
upon  Christ  and  his  righteousness  therein  held 
forth,  for  pardon  of  sin  °,  and  for  the  accepting  and 


sors;  and  he  bare  the  sins  of 
many.  Heb.  vii.  22.  By  so  much 
was  Jesus  made  a  surety  of  a 
better  testament.  Rom.  viii.  32. 
He  that  spared  not  his  own  Son, 
but  delivered  him  up  for  us  all, 
how  shall  he  not  with  him  also 
freely  give  us  all  things  ? 

•  2  Cor.  v.  21.  That  we 
might  be  made  the  righteous- 
ness of  God  in  him.  Rom.  iv. 
11.     1  Cor.  i.  30. 

^  f  Rom.  iii.  24,  25.  Whom 
God  hath  set  forth  to  be  a  pro- 
pitiation, through  faith  in  his 
blood.     Acts  xvi.  31. 

-ph  ii.  8.  For  by  grace 
are  ye  saved,  through  faith; 
and  that  not  of  yourselves:  it 
is  the  gift  of  God. 

h  Eph.  i.  7.  In  whom  we 
have  redemption  through  his 
blood,  the  forgiveness  of  sins, 
according  to  the  riches  of  his 
grace. 

•  Heb.  x.  39.  But  we  are 
not  of  them  who  draw  back 
unto  perdition;    but   of  them 


that  believe  to  the  saving  of 
the  soul. 

k  2  Cor.  iv.  13.  We  having 
the  same  spirit  of  faith. )  Eph. 
i.  17,  18,  19.  That  the  God  of 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  Fa- 
ther of  glory,  may  give  unto 
you  the  spirit  of  wisdom  and 
revelation,  in  the  knowledge  of 
him. 

•  Rom.  x.  14.  17.  So  then 
faith  cometh  by  hearing,  and 
hearing  by  the  word  of  God. 
Rom.  i.  16. 

ro  John  xvi.  8,  9.  And  when 
he  is  come,  he  will  reprove 
the  world  of  sin,  and  of  righte- 
ousness, and  of  judgment:  Of 
sin,  because  they  believe  not  on 
me.  Acts  xvi.  30.  Sirs,  what 
must  I  do  to  be  saved  ?  Acts 
ii.  37.  Eph.  ii.  1.  Acts  iv.  12. 
Rom.  vii.  9. 

n  Eph.  i.  13.  In  whom  ye 
also  trusted,  after  that  ye  heard 
the  word  of  truth,  the  gospel 
of  vour  salvation. 

°"  Acts  x.  43,    To  him  gave 


The  Larger  Catechism. 


191 


accounting  of  his  person  righteous  in  the  sight  of 
Crorl  for  salvation  p. 


-~~— &  ~*  ; —  r 

God  for  salvation  p. 


Q.  73.  Hoxv  doth  faith  justify  a  sinner  in  the 
sight  of  God? 

A.  Faith  justifies  a  sinner  in  the  sight  of  God, 
not  because  of  those  other  graces  which  do  always 
accompany  it,  or  of  good  works  that  are  the 
fruits  of  it n ;  nor  as  if  the  grace  of  faith,  or  any 
act  thereof,  were  imputed  to  him  for  his  justifica- 
tion r ;  but  only  as  it  is  an  instrument,  by  which 
he  receiveth  and  applieth  Christ  and  his  righte- 
ousness '. 

Q.  74.  What  is  adoption  ? 
A.  Adoption  is  an  act  of  the  free  grace  of  God  c, 
in  and  for  his  only  Son  Jesus  Christ u,  whereby 


all  the  prophets  witness,  that 
through  his  name  whosoever 
beiieveth  in  him  shall  receive 
remission  of  sins.  Acts  xvi. 
31.     John  i.  12. 

And  l)e  found 
in  him,  not  having  mine  own 
righteousness,  which  is  of  the 
law,  but  that  which  is  through 
Ike  faith  of  Christ,  the  ri 

Jiich   is   of   God    by 
faith.    Acts   xv.   11.     Bui 

t  through  the  grace 

of  the   Lord   Jv-sus  Christ,  we 

even  as  they. 

i    11.    But  that  no 

man  by  the  law  in 

faith, 

is  justified 
it   the   deed 

5.    But  to  him 
.  iveth 


on  him  that  justifieth  the  un- 
godly, his  faith  is  counted  for 
righteousness.  Compared  with 
Rom.  x.  10. 

»  John  i.  1£J.  But  as  many 
as  received  him,  to  them  gave 
he  power  to  bec(  me  the  sons  of 
Gixl.    Phil.  iii.  9. 

r  1  John  iii.  I.     Behold  . 
manner  of  love  the  Father  hath 
bestowed  on  us,  that  we  should 
be  called  the  sons  of  God. 

n  Eph.  i.  5.  Having  predes- 
tinated us  unto  the  adoption  of 
children    1  Christ    to 

ling  to  the  good 
Gal    iv. 
5   But  when  the  fulness  of  tiipe 
i  his 

the,  law,  i 

of  SOI 


192  The  Larger  Catechis?n. 

all  those  that  are  justified  are  received  into  the 
number  of  his  children  w,  have  his  name  put  upon 
them  x,  the  Spirit  of  his  Son  given  to  them  %  are 
under  his  fatherly  care  and  dispensations2,  admit- 
ted  to  all  the  liberties  and  privileges  of  the  sons- 
of  God,  made  heirs  of  all  the  promises,  and  fel- 
low-heirs with  Christ  in  glory  a. 

Q.  75.  What  is  sanctijication? 

A.  Sanctificationisawork  of  God's  grace,  where- 
by they,  whom  God  hath,  before  the  foundation 
of  the  world,  chosen  to  be  holy,  are,  in  time, 
through  the  powerful  operation  of  his  Spirit b,  ap- 
plying the  death  and  resurrection  of  Christ  unto 
them0,  renewed  in  their  whole  man  after  the  image 

v/  John  i.  12.  But  as  many  b  Eph.  i  4.  According  as 
as  received  him,  to  them  gave  he  hath  chosen  us  in  him,  be- 
ne power  to  become  the  sons  of  fore  the  foundation  of  the  world, 
God. —  that    we    should  be    holy   and 

K   Rev.  iii.   12. — And  I  will  without   blame  before  him  in 

"write  upon  him  my  new  name.  love.    1  Cor.  vi.  11.     And  such 

2  Cor.  vi   IS.  were  some  of  you:  but  ye  are 

>   Gal.  iv.   6.     And   because  washed,  but  ye  are  sanctified, 

ye    are    sons,    God  hath    sent  but    ye    are    justified    in    the 

forth  the  Spirit  of  his  Son  into  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus,   and 

your  hearts,  crying,  Abba,  Fa-  by  the  Spirit  of  our  God.     2 

ther.  Thess.    ii.     13.      But   wre    are 

x    Ps.    ciii.    13.     Like    as    a  bound  to  give  thanks  alway  to 

father  pitieth  his  children,  so  God  for  you,  brethren,  beloved 

the  Lord  pitieth  them  that  fear  of  the  Lord,  because  God  hath 

him.     Prov.    xiv.    26.     In    the  from  the  beginning  chosen  you 

fear  of  the  Lord  is  strong  con-  to  salvation,  through  sanctifica- 

fidence  :  and  his  children  shall  tion  of  the  Spirit  and  belief  of 

have  a  place  of  refuge-     Matt  the  truth. 

vi.  32. — For  your  heavenly  Fa-  c  Rom.  vi   4,   5,   6      There- 

ther  knoweth  that  ye  have  need  fore  we   are   buried  with   him 

of  all  these  things.  by    baptism    into    death,    that 

*  Rom.  viii.  17.    And  if  chil-  like  as  Christ  was  raised  up 

dren,  then  heirs  ;  heirs  of  God,  from  the  dead,  by  the  glory  of 

and  joint  heirs  with  Christ:  If  the  Father;    even   so  we  also 

so  be  that  we  suffer  with  him,  should  walk  in  newness  of  life, 

that  we  nrvay  be  also  glorified  For  if  we  have  been   planted 

together.    Heb.  vi.  12.  together  in  the  likeness  of  his 


The  Larger  Catechism. 


193 


of  God d;  having  the  seeds  of  repentance  unto 
life,  and  all  other  saving  graces,  put  into  their 
hearts  %  and  those  graces  so  stirred  up,  encreased 
and  strengthened f,  as  that  they  more  and  more 
•  die  unto  sin,  and  rise  unto  newness  of  life  *. 

Q.  76.  What  is  repentance  unto  life  ? 

A.  Repentance  unto  life  is  a  saving  grace11, 
wrought  in  the  heart  of  a  sinner  by  the  Spirit  'l  and 
word  of  God  k,  whereby  out  of  the  sight  and  sense, 


death :  we  shall  be  also  in  the 
likeness  of  his  resurrection : 
&c.     Phil.  iii.  10. 

d  Eph.  iv.  23,  24.  And  be 
renewed  in  the  spirit  of  your 
mind ;  and  that  ye  put  on  the 
new  man,  which  after  God 
is  created  in  righteousness,  and 
true  holiness. 

■  Acts  xi.  18.  When  they 
heard  these  things,  they  held 
their  peace,  and  glorified  God 
saying,  Then  hath  God  also  to 
the  Gentiles  granted  repent- 
ance unto  life.  I  John  iii.  9 
Whosoever  is  born  of  God 
doth  not  commit  sin  ;  for  his 
seed  remaineth  in  him  ;  and  he 
cannot  sin,  because  lie  is  born 
of  God. 

f  Jude  20.  But  ye,  beloved, 
building  up  yourselves  on  your 
most  holy  faith,  praying  in  the 
Holy  Ghost.  Eph.  'iii.  16,  17, 
18.  That  he  would  grant  you 
rding  to  the  riches  of  his 
,  to  be  strengthened  with 
might,,  by  his  Spirit  in  the  inner 
man :  that  Christ  may  dwell  in 
vour  heart!  by  faith  ;  thai 
beh'g  rooted  and  gri  uncled  in 
love,  may  be  able  to  compre- 
hend with  all  saints,  &c.  Col. 
i.  10,  11.  That  ye  might  walk 
worthy  of  the  Lord;  unto  all 


pleasing,  being  fruitful  in  eve ry 
good  work,  and  increasing  in 
the  knowledge  of  God; 
strengthened  with  all  might, 
according  to  hib  glorious  p  . 
unto  all  patience  and  long-sut- 
ler; ng  with  joy  fulness. 

I  Rom.  vi.  4.  6.  14.  Even 
so  we  also  should  walk  in  new- 
ness of  life.  Knowing  this, 
that  our  old  man  is  crucified 
with  him,  that  the  body  of  sin 
might  be  destroyed,  that  hence- 
forth we  sh<  u id  not  serve  sin. 
For  sin  shall  not  have  domi 
nion  over  you,  for  ye  are 
under  the  law,  but  under  grace. 

J-  2  Tim.  ii.  25.  If  God  per- 
ad venture  will  give  them  re- 
pentance to  the  acknowledging 
of  the  truth. 

'  Zech.  *ii.  10.  I  will  pour 
upon  the  house  of  David, 
uj)on  the  inhabitants  of  Jerusa- 
lem, the  Spirit  of  grace  and 
of  supplications;  and  they  shall 
look  upon  me  whom  they  have 
pierced,  and  they  shall  mourn 
tor  him. 

20,  31.    And 
some   of  them    were    nu  n 

whawfcen 

■ 
unto      the      t 

Lord     Jesus. 
H 


194 


The  Larger  Catechism. 


not  only  of  the  danger  \  but  also  of  the  filthiness 
and  odiousness  of  his  sins  m,  and  upon  the  appre- 
hension of  God's  mercy  in  Christ,  to  such  as  are 
penitent  n,  he  so  grieves  for  °,  and  hates  his  sins  p, 
as  that  he  turns  from  them  all  to  God q,  purposing 


And  the  hand  of  the  Lord 
was  with  them  :  and  a  great 
number  believed,  and  turned 
unto  the  Lord.  Ps.  xix.  7.  to 
the  14th  verse.     Acts  ii.  37. 

1  Ez.  xviii.  28.  SO.  32.  Re- 
pent, and  turn  yourselves  from 
all  your  transgressions ;  so  ini- 
quity shall  not  be  your  ruin. 
Turn, — and  live  ye.  Luke  xv. 
17,  18.  How  many  hired  ser- 
vants of  my  father's  have  bread 
enough,  and  to  spare,  and  I 
perish  with  hunger !  Hos.  ii. 
6,  7. 

m  Ez.  xxxvi.  31.  Then  shall 
ye  remember  your  own  evil 
ways,  and  your  doings  that 
were  not  good,  and  shall  loathe 
yourselves  in  your  own  sight, 
for  your  iniquities,  and  for 
your  abominations.  Ez.  xvi. 
61.  63.  Then  thou  shalt  re- 
member thy  ways,  and  be 
ashamed.  That  thou  mayest 
remember  and  be  confounded, 
and  never  open  thy  mouth  any 
more  because  of  thy  shame. 
Is.  xxx.  22. 

«  Ps.  cxxx.  3,  4,  5,  6,  7.  If 
thou,  Lord,  shouldest  mark 
iniquities;  O  Lord  who  shall 
stand  ?  But  there  is  forgiveness 
with  thee,  that  thou  mayest  be 
feared.  Joel  ii.  12,  13.  Rend 
your  heart  and  not  your  gar- 
ments, and  turn  unto  the  Lord 
your  God :  for  he  is  gracious 
and  merciful,  slow  to   anger, 


and  of  great  kindness,  and  re- 
penteth  him  of  the  evil.  Zee, 
xii   10. 

°  Jer.  xxxi  18,  19.  I  have 
surely  heard  Ephraim  bemoan- 
ing himself  thus,  Thou  hast 
chastised  me,  and  1  was  chas- 
tised, as  a  bullock  unaccustom- 
ed to  the  yoke :  turn  thou  me, 
and  1  shall  be  turned^for  thou 
art  the  Lord  my  God.  Surely 
after  that  I  was  turned,  I  rer 
pen  ted;  and  after  that  I  was 
instructed,  I  smote  upon  my 
thigh ;  I  was  ashamed,  yea, 
even  confounded,  because  I  did 
bear  the  reproach  of  my  youth. 
p  2  Cor.  vii.  11.  For  behold, 
this  self  same  thing  that  ye 
sorrowed  after  a  godly  sort, 
what  carefulness  it  wrought 
in  you,  yea,  what  clearing  of 
yourselves,  yea,  what  indigna- 
tion, yea,  what  fear,  yea,  what 
vehement  desire,  yea,  what 
zeal,  yea,  what  revenge ! 

*  Acts  xx vi.  18.  To  open 
their  eyes,  and  to  turn  them 
from  darkness  to  light,  and 
from  the  power  of  Satan  unto 
God.;  Ez.  xiv.  6.  Repent,  and 
turn  yourselves  from  your  idols, 
and  turn  away  your  faces  from 
all  your  abominations.  1  Kings 
viii.  47,  48.  If  they  shall  be* 
think  themselves — and  so  return 
unto  thee  with  all  their  heart 
and  with  all  their  soul.  1  Sam. 
vii.  3. 


The  Larger  Catechism.  195 

and  endeavouring  constantly  to  walk  with  him  in 
all  the  ways  of  new  obedience  r. 

Q.  77.  Wherein  do  justification  and  sanctifica- 
tion  differ  ? 

A.  Although  sanctification  be  inseparably 
joined  with  justification8,  yet  they  differ,  in  that 
God,  in  justification,  imputeth  the  righteousness 
of  Christ l  ;  in  sanctification  his  Spirit  infuseth 
grace,  and  enableth  to  the  exercise  thereof0;  in 
the  former,  sin  is  pardoned  • ;  in  the  other,  it  is 
subdued51;  the  one  doth  equally  free  all  be- 
lievers from  the  revenging  wrath  of  God,  and 
that  perfectly  in  this  life,  that  they  never  fall 
into  condemnation  y  ;  the  other  is  neither  equal  in 

9  Ps.  cxix.  59.  128.  I  thought  put  my  Spirit  within  you,  and 
on  my  ways,  and  turned  my  cause  you  to  walk  in  my  sta- 
feet  unto  thy  testimonies,  tutes,  and  ye  shall  keep  my 
Therefore  1  esteem  all  thy  pre-  judgments  and  do  them, 
cepts  concerning  all  things  to  w  Rom.  iii.  24,  *5.  Being 
be  right,  and  1  hute  every  false  justified  freely  by  his  grace, 
way.     Luke  i.  6.  through  the  redemption  that  is 

»  1  Cor.  vi  11.  And  such  in  Jesus  Christ:  whom  God 
were  some  of  you:  but  ye  are  hath  set  forth  to  be  a  pr<  pitia- 
washed,  but  ye  are  sanctified,  tion,  through  faith  in  his  blood, 
but  ye  are  justified  in  the  name  to  declare  his  rightecusne>s 
of  the  Lord  Jesus,  and  by  the  for  the  remission  of  sins. 
Spirit  of  our  God.  1  Cor.  i.  *  Rom.  vi.  6.  14.  Knowing 
oO.  But  of  him  are  ye  in  this  that  our  old  man  is  cruci- 
Christ  Jesus,  who  of  God  is  fied  with  him,  that  the  body 
made  unto  us  wisdom,  and  of  sin  might  be  destroyed,  that 
righteousness,  and  sanctifica-  henceforth  we  should  not  serve 
tion,  and  redemption.  sin.     For  sin  shall  not  have  do- 

r  Rom.  iv.  6.  8.  Even  as  minion  over  you  :  for  ye  arc  not 
David  also  describeth  thebles-  under  the  law,  but  under  grace, 
sedness  of  the  man  unto  whom  >  Rom.  \  iii.  1.  33,  34.  There 
God    imputeth     right  re  now  no  con<!<  i 

without  works.     I  the   tkxi  ta  them  who  art        Christ 

man   to  whom  the    Lord   will   Jt<us.       Who     shall    lay 
not  impute   sin.     2  Cor.  v.  21.   thing  to  the  charge  I 

Rom.  iii.  24.  elect }  It  is  God  that  juttineth. 

8  Ez.  xxxvi.  27.    And  I  will  Who  is  he  that  condemn 


190 


The  Larger  Catechism. 


all  %  nor  in  this  life  perfect  in  any  a,  but  growing 
up  to  perfection b. 

Q.  78.  Hlience  ariseth  the  imperfection  of  sane- 
tif cation  in  believers? 

A.  The  imperfection  of  sanctification  in  be- 
•ievers  ariseth  from  the  remnants  of  sin  abiding  in 
every  part  of  them,  and  the  perpetual  lustings  of 
the  flesh  against  the  Spirit ;  whereby  they  are  often 
foiled  with  temptations,  and  fall  into  many  sins  % 
are  hindered  in  all  their  spiritual  services d,  and 
their  best  works  are  imperfect  and  defiled  in  the 
sight  of  God  \ 


a  Hcb.  v.  12,  13,  14.  For 
when  for  the  time  ye  ought  to 
be  teachers,  ye  have  need  that 
one  teach  you  again  which  be 
the  first  principles  of  the  ora- 
cles of  God ;  and  are  become 
such  as  have  need  of  milk,  and 
not  of  strong  meat.  For  every 
one  that  useth  milk,  is  unskil- 
ful in  the  word  of  righteousness, 
for  he  is  a  babe.  But  strong 
meat  belongeth  to  them  that 
are  of  full  age,  even  those 
who,  by  reason  of  use,  have 
their  senses  exercised  to  dis- 
cern both  good  and  evil.  1 
John  ii.  12,  13,  14. 

a  1  John  i.  8.  10.  If  we  say 
that  we  have  no  sin,  we  de- 
ceive ourselves,  and  the  truth 
la  not  in  us.  If  we  say  that  we 
have  not  sinned,  we  make  him 
a  liar,  and  his  word  is  not  in  us. 

b  2  Cor.  vii.  1  Having  there- 
fore these  promises,  dearly  be- 
loved, let  us  cleanse  ourselves 
from  alt  filth iness  of  the  flesh 
and  spirit,  perfecting  holiness 
in  the  fear  of  God.  Phil.  iii. 
12,  13,  14,    Brethren,  I  count 


not  myself  to  have  apprehend- 
ed :  but  this  one  thing  I  do, 
forgetting  those  tilings  which 
are  behind,  and  reaching  forth 
unto  those  things  which  are 
before,  I  press  towards  the 
mark,  for  the  prize  of  the  high 
calling  of  God  hi  Christ  Jesus. 

c  Rom.  vii.  18.  23.  For  I 
know  that  in  me,  (that  is  in 
my  flesh,)  dwelleth  no  good 
thing;  for  to  will  is  present 
with  me ;  but  how  to  perform 
that  which  is  good,  I  find  not. 
But  I  see  another  law  in  my 
members  warring  against  the 
law  of  my  mind,  and  bringing 
me  into  captivity  to  the  law  of 
sin  which  is  in  my  members. 

*  Gal.  v.  17.  For  the  flesh 
lusteth  against  the  Spirit, — so 
that  ye  cannot  do  the  things 
that  ye  would.  Heb.  xii.  1. 
Let  us  lay  aside  every  weight 
and  the  sin  which  doth  so  easily 
beset  us. 

e  Is.  lxiv.  6.  But  we  are  all 
as  an  unclean  thing,  and  all  our 
righteousnesses  are  as  filthy 
rags,   and  we  all  do  fade  as  a 


The  Larger  Cateclwm. 


1*7 


Q.    79.  May  not  true  believers,  by  reason   of 
their  imperfections,  and  the  many  temptations  and 
sins  they  are  overtaken  with,  fail  axvay  from  the 
state  of  grace  ? 

A.  True  believers,  by  reason  of  the  unchange- 
able love  of  God f,  and  his  decree  and  covenant  to 
give  them  perseverance  g,  their  inseparable  union 
with  Christ h,  his  continual  intercession  for  them  j, 
and  the  Spirit  and  seed  of  God  abiding  in  them  k, 
can  neither  totally  nor  finally  fall  away  from  the 
state  of  grace *,  but  are  kept  by  the  power  of  God 
through  faith  unto  salvation  m. 


leaf,  and  our  iniquities,  like  the 
wind,  have  taken  us  away.  Ex. 
xxviii.  38. 

i  Jer.  xxxi.  3.  I  have  loved 
thee  with  an  everlasting  love ; 
John  xiii.  1. 

e  Heb.  xiii.  20,  21.  Now  the 
God  of  peace,  that  brought 
again  from  the  dead  our  Lord 
Jesus,  that  great  Shepherd  of 
the  sheep,  through  the  blood 
of  the  everlasting  covenant, 
make  you  perfect.  2  Sam. 
xxiii.  5. — Yet  hath  he  made 
with  me  an  everlasting  cove- 
nant, ordered  in  all  things,  and 
sure.    Is.  liv.  10. 

*  1  Cor.  i.  8.  Who  shall 
also  confirm  you  unto  the  end, 
that  ye  may  be  blameless  in 
the  day  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ. 

1  Heb.  vii.  25.  Wherefore  he 
is  able  also  to  save  them  to  the 
uttermost,  that  come  unto  God 
by  bin  lie  ever  liveth 

to  make  interct  them. 

Luke  xxii.  32.  But  I  have 
prayed  for  thee,  that  thy  faith 
tail  not  — 

*  1  John  iii.  9.    Whosoever 


is  born  of  God,  doth  not  commit 
sin  ;  for  his  seed  remaineth  in 
him  and  he  cannot  sin,  because 
he   is  born  of  God.     1  John  ii. 

27.  But  the  anointing,  which 
ye  have  received  of  him  abid- 
eth  in  you :  and  ye  need  not 
that  any  man  teach  you ;  but 
as  the  same  anointing  teacheth 
you  of  all  things,  and  is  truth, 
and  is  no  lie  :  and  even  as  it 
hath  taught  you,  ye  shall  abide 
in  him. 

1  Jer.  xxxii.  40.  And  I  will 
make  an  everlasting  covenant 
with  them,  that  I  will  not  turn 
away  from  them,  to  do  them 
good ;  but  I  will  put  my  fear 
in  their  hearts  that  they  shall 
not  depart  from  me.    John  x. 

28.  And  1  give  unto  them 
eternal  life,  and  they  shall  ne- 
ver perish,  neither  shall  any 
pluck  them  out  of  my  hand. 

m  1  Pet.  i.  5.  Who  are 
kept  by  the  power  of  God 
through  faith  unto  salvation. — 
Phil  i.  6.— He  that  hath  begun 
a  good  work  in  you,  will 
perform  it  until  the  day  of 
Jesus  Christ. 

R  2 


198 


The  Larger  Catechism. 


Q.  80.  Can  true  believers  be  infallibly  assured 
that  they  are  in  the  estate  of grace \  and  that  they 
shall  persevere  therein  unto  salvation  ? 

A.  Such  as  truly  believe  in  Christ,  and  endea- 
vour to  walk  in  all  good  conscience  before  him  D, 
may,  without  extraordinary  revelation,  by  faith 
grounded  upon  the  truth  of  God's  promises,  and 
by  the  Spirit  enabling  them  to  discern  in  them- 
selves those  graces  to  which  the  promises  of  life 
are  made0,  and  bearing  witness  with  their  spirits 
that  they  are  the  children  of  God p,  be  infallibly 
assured  that  they  are  in  the  estate  of  grace,  and 
shall  persevere  therein  unto  salvation q. 

Q.  81.  Are  all  true  believers  at  all  times  assured 
of  their  present  being  in  the  estate  of  grace,  and 
that  they  shall  be  saved? 

A.  Assurance  of  grace  and  salvation  not  being 


n  1  John  ii.  3.  And  hereby 
we  do  know  that  we  know  him, 
if  we  keep  his  commandments. 
Acts  xxiv.  16. 

°  1  Cor.  ii.  12.  Now  we 
have  received  not  the  spirit  of 
the  wflrld,  but  the  Spirit  which 
is  of  God;  that  we  might 
know  the  things  that  are  freely 
given  to  us  of  God.  1  John 
iv.  13.  16.  Hereby  know  we 
that  we  dwell  in  him,  and  he 
in  us,  because  he  hath  given 
us  of  his  Spirit.  And  we  have 
known  and  believed  the  love 
that  God  hath  to  us.  God  is 
love ;  and  he  that  dwelleth  in 
love  dwelleth  in  God,  and  God 
in  him.  1  John  hi.  14.  18,  19. 
21.  24.  We  know  that  we  have 
passed  from  death  unto  life, 
because  we  love  the  brethren. 


Let  us  not  love  in  word,  nei- 
ther in  tongue,  but  in  deed  and 
in  truth.  And  hereby  we  know 
that  we  are  of  the  truth,  and 
shall  assure  our  hearts  before 
him.  Beloved,  if  our  heart 
condemn  us  not,  then  have  we 
confidence  towards  God.  And 
he  that  keepeth  his  command- 
ments dwelleth  in  him,  and  he 
in  him :  And  hereby  we  know 
that  he  abideth  in  us  by  the 
Spirit  which  he  hath  given  us. 

p  Rom.  viii.  16.  The  Spirit 
itself  beareth  witness  wTith  our 
spirit,  that  we  are  the  children 
of  God. 

*  1  John  v.  13.  These  things 
have  I  written  unto  you  that 
believe  on  the  name  ot  the  Son 
of  God,  that  ye  may  know  that 
ye  have  eternal  life. 


The  Larger  Catechism.  199 

of  the  essence  of  faith  r,  true  believers  may  wait 
long  before  they  obtain  it ■ ;  and,  after  the  enjoy- 
ment thereof,  may  have  it  weakened  and  inter- 
mitted, through  manifold  distempers,  sins,  temp- 
tations, and  desertions  ■  :  yet  are  they  never  left 
without  such  a  presence  and  support  of  the  Spirit 
of  God,  as  keeps  them  from  sinking  into  utter 
despair  u. 

Q.  82.  What  is  the  communion  in  glory \  which 
the  members  of  the  invisible  church  have  with 
Christ  ? 

A.  The  communion  in  glory,  which  the  mem- 
bers  of  the  invisible  church  have  with  Christ,  is  in 
this  life  w,  immediately  after  death  %  and  at  last 

r  Eph.  i.   13.     In  whom  ye  drawn  himself,  and  was  gone  : 

also  trusted  after  that  ye  heard  my  soul  failed  when  he  spake  : 

the  word  of  truth,  the    gospel  1   sought  him,  but  I  could  not 

of  your  salvation  :  in  whom  also  find  him;    I  called  him  but  he 

after  that  ye  believed,  ye  were  gave  me  no  answer.    Ps.  xxxi. 

sealed  with  that  holy  Spirit  of  22.    For  I  said  in  my  haste,  I 

promise.  am  cut  off  from  before  thine 

•   Is.   1.  10.    Who  is  among  eyes. — Ps.  xxx.   6,  7.    and    li. 

you  that  feareth  the  Lord,  that  8.  12. 

obeyeth  the  voice  of  his  ser-  °  Job  xiii.    15.    Though   he 

vant,  that  walketh  in  darkness  slay  me  yet  will  I  trust  in  him. 

and    hath    no    light?    let   him  — Ps.  lxxiii.  13,  14,  15.  23.  Ne- 

trust  in  the  name  of  the  Lord,  vertheless     I    am    continually 

and    stay   upon  his    God.     Ps.  with  thee  :  thou  hast  holden  me 

ixxxviii.  throughout.  by  my  right  hand.     1  John   iii. 

■    Ps.    lxxvii.    1.    to    the    12.  9.     Is.  xiv.  7.  to  the  11.  verse, 

verse  —Will  the  Lord  cast  off  w  2  Cor.  iii.  18.     But  we  all 

for  ever  ?  and  will  he  be  favour-  with  open  face  beholding  as  in 

able    no  more?    Is  his  mercy  a  glass,  the  glory  of  the  Lord, 

clean  gone  for  ever  ?  doth  his  are    changed    into    the    same 

promise     fail     for    evermore  ?  image,    from    glory    to    glory ; 

hath  God  forgotten  to  be  gra-  even   as   by   the  Spirit  of   the 

cious?  hath   he  in  anger  shut  Lord. 

up  his  tender  mercies?   Cant.  *  Luke  xxiii.  43.     And  Jesus 

v.  2,  3.  6.  I  sleep, — I  have  put  said  unto  him,  Verily  1  say  unto 

off  my  coat,   how  shall  I  put  it  thee,    To-day    shalt   thou    be 

on? — My    beloved   had   with-  witji  me  in  paradise. 


200  The  Larger  Catechiti 

perfected  at  the  resurrection  and  day  of  judg- 
ment y. 

Q.  83.  What  is  the  communion  in  glory  with 
Christy  which  the  members  of  the  invisible  church 
enjoy  in  this  life  ? 

A.  The  members  of  the  invisible  church  have 
communicated  to  them,  in  this  life,  the  first-fruits 
of  glory  with  Christ,  as  they  are  members  of  him 
their  head,  and  so  in  him  are  interested  in  that 
glory  which  he  is  fully  possessed  of7 ;  and  as  an 
earnest  thereof,  enjoy  the  sense  of  God's  love  % 
peace  of  conscience,  joy  in  the  Holy  Ghost,  and 
hope  of  glory  b.  As  on  the  contrary,  sense  of 
God's  revenging  wrath,  horror  of  conscience,  and 
a  fearful  expectation  of  judgment,  are  to  the  wick- 
ed the  beginning  of  the  torments,  which  they  shall 
endure  after  death  *. 

y  1  Thess.  iv.  17.  Then  we  have  peace  with  God,  through" 
who  are  alive  and  remain  shall  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ :  By- 
be  caught  up  together  with  them  whom  also  we  have  access  by 
in  the  clouds,  to  meet  the  Lord  faith  into  this  grace  wherein 
in  the  air:  and  so  shall  we  ever  we  stand,  and  rejoice  in  hope 
be  with  the  Lord.  of  the  glory  of  God.    Rom.  xiv. 

2  Eph.  ii.  5,  6.     Even  when  17.    For  the  kingdom  of  God 

we  were  dead  in    sins,  hath  is    not    meat    and    drink,  but 

quickened    us    together    with  righteousness,  and  peace,  and 

Christ, — and  hath  raised  us  up  joy  in  the  Holy  Ghost, 
together,  and  made  us  sit  toge-      .c    Gen.    iv.    13.     And  Cain 

ther    in    heavenly   places,    in  said  unto  the   Lord,   My  pu- 

Christ  Jesus.  nishment  is  greater  than  I  can 

a  Rom.  v.  5.  And  hope  bear.  Matt,  xxvii.  4.  I  have 
maketh  not  ashamed,  because  sinned,  in  that  1  have  betrayed 
the  love  of  God  is  shed  abroad  the  innocent  blood.  Heb.  x. 
in  our  hearts,  by  the  Holy  27.  But  a  certain  fearful  look- 
Ghost  which  is  given  unto  us.  ing  for  of  judgment,  and  fiery  in- 
2  Cor.  i.  22  Who  also  hath  dignation,  which  shall  devour 
sealed  us,  and  given  the  ear-  the  adversaries.  Mark  ix.  44. 
nest  of  the  Spirit  in  our  hearts.  Where  their  worm  dieth  not, 

b  Rom.  v.  I,  2.    Therefore  and  the  fire  is  not  quenched, 

being   justified    by   faith,    we  Rom.  ii.  9. 


The  Larger  Catechism.  201 

Q.  84.  Shall  all  men  die  ? 

A.  Death  being  threatened  as  the  wages  of 
sindf  it  is  appointed  unto  all  men  once  to  die  c ; 
for  that  all  have  sinned  f. 

Q.  85.  Death  being  the  wages  of  sin,  why  are 
not  the  righteous  delivered  from  deaths  seeing  all 
their  sins  are  forgiven  in  Christ  ? 

A.  The  righteous  shall  be  delivered  from  death 
itself  at  the  last  day,  and  even  in  death  are  deli- 
vered from  the  sting  and  curse  of  it  * ;  so  that, 
although  they  die,  yet  it  is  out  of  God's  love  h,  to 
free  them  perfectly  from  sin  and  misery  l,  and  to 
make  them  capable  of  farther  communion  with 
Christ  in  glory,  which  they  then  enter  upon  k. 

Q.  8G.  What  is  the  communion  ir  ^lory  with 
Christ,  which  the  members  of  the  xnvisxole  church 
enjoy  immediately  after  death  ? 

d  Rom.  vi.  23.     For  the  wa-  their  beds.    2   Kings  xxii.  20. 

ges  of  sin  is  death.  Behold,  therefore,  I  will  gather 

•  Iieb.   ix.  27.     And  as  it  is  thee   to  thy  fathers,  and  thou 

appointed  unto  all  men  once  to  shalt  be  gathered  into  thy  grave 

die. —  in  peace,  and  thine  eyes  shall 

f    Rom.    v.    12— So    death  not   see  all  the  e,vil  which   I 

passed  upon  all  men,  for  that  will  bring  upon  this  place, 

all  have  sinned.  »  Rev.  xiv.  13.     Blessed  are 

I  J   Cor,   xv.  26.  55 1  56,  57.  the  dead  who  die  in  the  Lord, 

The   last  enemy  that  shall  be  from    henceforth :    yea,    saith 

destroyed   is  death — O  death,  the  Spirit,   that  they  may  rest 

where   is  thy  sting?  O  grave,  from  their   labours;  and  their 

where    U  *  thy    victory  ?    The  works  do  follow   them.     Kph. 

sting  of  death  is   sin,  and  the  v.  27. 

strength  of  sin  is  the  law.    But  k  Luke  xxiii  43.    And  Jesus 

thanks  I>e  to  God,  who   giveth  said  unto  him,  Verily  1  say  unto 

us  the  victory  through  our  Lord  thee,  To-day  shalt  tnou  be  *  ith 

Jesus  Christ      Heb.il  15.  me    in    paradise.     Phil.    i.    23. 

h  Is.  lvii.   1,  2.     The  righte-  For  I  am  in  a  straight  betwixt 

ous    is    taken   away    from   the  two,  having  a  desire  to  depart, 

evil  to  come      He  shall   enter  and  to  be  with  Christ;  wl 

into  peace,  they  shall  rest  upon  is  far  better 


202  The  Larger  Catechism. 

A.  The  communion  in  glory  with  Christ, 
which  the  members  of  the  invisible  church  enjoy 
immediately  after  death,  is  in  that  their  souls 
are  then  made  perfect  in  holiness  \  and  received 
into  the  highest  heavens m,  where  they  behold 
the  face  of  God  in  light  and  glory  B  ;  waiting  for 
the  full  redemption  of  their  bodies  °,  which  even 
in  death  continued  united  to  Christ p,  and  rest  in 
their  graves  as  in  their  beds  q,  till  at  the  last  day 
they  be  again  united  to  their  souls r.  Whereas 
the  souls  of  the  wicked  are  at  their  death  cast  into 
hell,  where  they  remain  in  torments  and  utter 
darkness  ;  and  their  bodies  kept  in  their  graves, 
as  in  their  prisons,  until  the  resurrection  and  judg- 
ment of  the  great  day  \ 

1  Heb.  xii.  23.  To  the  gene-  rose  again,  even  so  them  also 
ral  assembly  and  church  of  who  sleep  in  Jesus,  will  God 
the  first-born,  which  are  writ-  bring  with  him. 
ten  in  heaven,  and  to  God  the  *  Is.  lvii.  2.  He  shall  enter 
Judge  of  all,  and  to  the  spirits  into  peace:  they  shall  rest  in 
of  just  men  made  perfect.  1  their  beds. 
John  iii.  2.     Eph.  v.  27.  r    Job    xix.    26,    27.       And 

,n  2  Cor.  v.  1.  6.  8.  If  our  though  after  my  skin  worms 
earthly  house  of  this  tabernacle  destroy  this  body,  yet  in  my 
were  dissolved,  we  have  a  flesh  shall  I  see  God :  whom  I 
building  of  God,  an  house  not  shall  see  for  myself,  and  mine 
made  with  hands,  eternal  in  eyes  shall  behold,  and  not  ano- 
the  heavens.  ther. 

n  1  John  iii.  2.  But  we  know,  ■  Luke  xvi.  23,  24.  And  in 
that  when  he  shall  appear  we  hell  he  lift  up  his  eyes,  being 
shall  be  like  him ;  for  we  shall  in  torments,  and  seeth  Abra- 
see  him  as  he  is.  1  Cor.  xiii.  ham  afar  off,  and  Lazarus  in 
12.  Now  we  see  through  a  his  bosom.  And  he  cried  and 
glass  darkly  ;  but  then  face  to  said,  Father  Abraham, — send 
face.  Rev.  xxii   4,5.  Matt.  v.  8.   Lazarus,  that  he  may  dip  the 

°  Rom.  viii.  23.  Waiting  for  tip  of  his  finger  in  water,  and 
the  adoption,  to  wit,  the  re-  cool  my  tongue ;  for  I  am  tor- 
demption  of  our  body.  Ps.  mented  in  this  flame.  Acts  i. 
xvi.  9.  My  flesh  also  shall  rest  25.  From  which  Judas  by 
in  hope.  transgression  fell,  that  he  might 

p  1  Thess.  iv.  14.  For  if  we  go  to*  his  own  place.  Jude  6, 
believe  that   Jesus   died,   and  He  hath  reserved  in  everiast- 


The  Larger  Catechism.  203 

Q.  37.  What  are  zve  to  believe  concerning  the 
resurrection  ? 

A.  We  are  to  believe,  that  at  the  last  day  there 
shall  be  a  general  resurrection  of  the  dead,  both 
of  the  just  and  unjust1.  When  they  that  are  then 
found  alive  shall  in  a  moment  be  changed ;  and 
the  self  same  bodies  of  the  dead  which  were  laid 
in  the  grave,  being  then  again  united  to  their 
souls  for  ever,  shall  be  raised  up  by  the  power  of 
Christ u.  The  bodies  of  the  just,  by  the  Spirit  of 
Christ,  and  by  virtue  of  his  resurrection  as  their 
head,  shall  be  raised  in  power,  spiritual,  and  in* 
corruptible,  and  made  like  to  his  glorious  body  w  : 

ing  chains  under  darkness,  unto  caught  up  together  with  them 
the  judgment  of  the  great  day.   in  the  clouds,  to  meet  the  Lord 

1  Acts  xxiv.  15.  There  shall  in  the  air :  and  so  shall  we  be 
be  a  resurrection  of  the  dead,  ever  with  the  Lord.  John  v. 
both  of  the  just  and  unjust.         28,  29. 

°  1  Cor.  xv.  51,  52,  53.  Be-  w  1  Cor.  xv.  12.  22,  23.  42, 
hold,  I  shew  you  a  mystery  ;  43,  44.  For  since  by  man  came 
We  shall  not  all  sleep,  but  we  death,  by  man  came  also  the 
shall  all  be  changed ;  in  a  mo-  resurrection  of  the  dead.  For 
ment,  in  the  twinkling  of  an  as  in  Adam  all  die,  even  so  in 
eye,  at  the  last  trump  ;  for  the  Christ  shall  all  be  made  alive. 
trumpet  shall  sound,  and  the  [It  is  evidently  the  scope  of  the 
dead  shall  be  raised  incorrupti-  apostle's  argument  in  this  pas- 
ble,  and  we  shall  be  changed,  sage,  to  prove,  that  as  all  the 
For  this  corruptible,  must  put  natural  seed  of  Adam,  their 
on  incorruption,  and  this  mortal  covenant-head,  were  subjected 
must  put  on  immortality.  1  to  death  by  his  offence;  so  all 
Thess.  it.  15,  16,  17.  For*this  the  spiritual  seed  of  Christ, 
we  say  unto  you  by  the  word  of  their  new  covenant  head,  shall 
the  Lord,  that  we  who  are  alive  be  raised  from  death,  to  an  im- 
and  remain  unto  the  coming  mortal  life  of  glory  and  bless- 
of  the  Lord,  shall  not  prevent  edness,  by  virtue  of  his  resur- 
them  who  are  asleep.  For  the  ruction.  It  is  therefore  a  per- 
Lord  himself  shall  descend  version  of  the  scripture,  to  ad- 
from  heaven"  with  a  shout,  duce  this  text  as  a  proof  of 
with  the  voice  of  the  archangel,  universal  redemption]  But 
and  with  the  trump  of  God,  every  man  in  his  own  order : 
and  the  dead  in  Christ  shall  Christ  the  first  fruits,  after- 
rise  first.  Then  we  who  are  wards  they  that  are  Christ's 
alive    and    remain,    shall    be  at  his  coming.    So  also  is  the 


204  7'he  Larger  Catechism. 

And  the  bodies  of  the  wicked  shall  be  raised  up 
in  dishonour  by  him  as  an  offended  judge  \ 

Q.  88.  What  shall  immediately  follow  after  the 
resurrection  ? 

A.  Immediately  after  the  resurrection  shall  fol- 
low the  general  and  final  judgment  of  angels  and 
men y  :  The  day  and  hour  whereof  no  man  know- 
eth,  that  all  may  watch  and  pray,  and  be  ever 
ready  for  the  coming  of  the  Lord2. 

Q.  89.  What  shall  be  done  to  the  wicked  at  the 
day  of  judgment  ? 

A.  At  the  day  of  judgment,  the  wicked  shall 
be  set  on  Christ's  left  hand  %  and  upon  clear  evi- 
dence, and  full  conviction  of  their  own  conscien- 

resurrection  of  the  dead.  It  y  2  Pet.  ii.  4.  For  if  God 
is  sown  in  corruption,  it  is  rais-  spared  not  the  angels  that  sin- 
ed  in  incorruption  :  It  is  sown  ned,  but  cast  them  down  to* 
in  dishonour,  it  is  raised  in  hell,  and  delivered  them  into 
glory:  It  is  sown  in  weakness,  chains  of  darkness,  to  be  re- 
it  is  raised  in  power:  It  is  sown  served  unto  judgment.  (2  Cor. 
a  natural  body,  it  is  raised  a  v.  10.  For  we  must  all  appear 
spiritual  body.  Phil.  iii.  22.  before  the  judgment-scat  of 
Who  shall  change  our  vile  body,  Christ;  that  every  one  may 
that  it  may  be  fashioned  like  receive  the  things  done  in  his 
unto  his  glorious  body.  Dan.  body,  according  to  that  he  hath 
xii.  2.  done,  whether  it  be  good  or  bad. 

*  John  v.  27,  28,  29.  Marvel  Rev.  xx.  12. 
not  at  this :  for  the  hour  is  com-  *  Matt.  xxiv.  36,  42.  44.  But 
ing,  in  the  which  all  that  are  of  tttat  day  and  hour  knoweth 
in  the  graves  shall  hear  his  no  man,  no,  not  the  angels  of 
voice,  and  shall  come  forth,  heaven,  but  my  Father  only, 
they  that  have  done  good,  unto  Watch  therefore,  for  ye  know 
the  resurrection  of  life,  and  not  what  hour  your  Lord  doth 
they  that  have  done  evil,  unto  come.  Therefore  be  ye  also 
the  resurrection  of  damnation,  ready :  for  in  such  an  hour  as 
Dan.  xii.  2.  And  many  of  ye  think  not  the  Son  of  man 
them  that  sleep  in  the  dust  of  cometh.  Luke  xxi.  55,  36. 
the  earth  shull  awake,  some  to  a  Matt,  xxiii.  33.  And  he 
everlasting  life,  and  some  to  shall  set  the  sheep  on  his 
shame  and  everlasting  con-  right  hand,  but  the  goats  on 
tempt.     Matt.  xxv.  33.  the  left. 


The  Larger  Catechism.  205 

cesh>  shall  have  the  fearful  but  just  sentence  of 
condemnation  pronounced  against  themc;  and 
thereupon  shall  be  cast  out  from  the  favourable 
presence  of  God,  and  the  glorious  fellowship 
with  Christ,  his  saints,  and  all  his  holy  angels, 
into  hell,  to  be  punished  with  unspeakable  tor- 
ments both  of  body  and  soul,  with  the  devil  and 
his  angels  for  ever  d. 

Q.  90.  What  shall  be  done  tomthe  righteous  at 
the  day  of  judgment  ? 

A.  At  the  day  of  judgment,  the  righteous, 
being  caught  up  to  Christ  in  the  clouds  %  shall 
be  set  on  his  right  hand,  and  there  openly  ac- 
knowledged and  acquitted  f,  shall  join  with  him 
in  the  judging  of  reprobate  angels  and  men g  : 
and  shall  be  received  into  heaven  b,  where  they 

b  Rom.    ii.   15,   16.     Which  Who    shall   be   punished  with 

shew    the    work    of    the    law  everlasting  destruction  from  the 

written  in  their  hearts,  their  presence  of  the  Lord,  and  from 

conscience  also  bearing  witness,  the  glory  of  his  power.    Luke 

and  their  thoughts  the  mean  xvi.  16.    John  hi.  36.  Mark  ix. 

while  accusing,  or  else  excusing  43,  44.     Mark  xiv.  21. 

one  another.    In  the  day  when  e  1  Thess.  iv.  17.     Then  we 

God  shall  judge  the  secrets  of  which  are   alive,  and  remain, 

all    men  by  Jesus  Christ,  ac-  shall    be   caught    up    together 

cording  to  my  gospel.  with    them    in  the  clouds,    to 

c  Matt.  xxv.  41,  42,  43.  Then  meet  the  Lord  in  the  air. 
shall  he  say  also  unto  them  on  f  Matt.  xxv.  33.  And  he  shall 
the  left  hand,  Depart  from  me,  set  the  sheep  on  his  right  hand, 
ye  cursed,  into  everlasting  fire,  Matt  x.  32.  Whosoever  there- 
prepared  for  the  devil  and  his  fore  shall  confess  me  before 
angels.  For  I  was  an  hungred,  men,  him  will  1  confess  also 
arid  ye  gave  me  no  meat.  before  my   Father   who   is    in 

d  Matt.  xxv.  46.    And  these  heaven, 

shall  go  away  into   everlasting  *  1  Cor.  vi.  2,  3.     Do  ye  not 

punishment.     2  Thess.  i.   8,9.  know  that  the  saints  shall  judge 

In    flaming    fire,    taking    veil-  the  world?  Know   ye  not  that 

.  geance  on  them  that  know  not  we  shall  judge  angels  ? 

God,  and  that  obey  not  the  gos-  h  Matt.  xxv.   34.  46.     Then 

pel  of  oar  Lord  Jesus  Chi  II  the  King  say  unto  their*. 


206  The  Larger  Catechism. 

shall  be  fully  and  for  ever  freed  from  all  sin  and 
misery1;  filled  with  inconceivable  joys k ;  made 
perfectly  holy  and  happy  both  in  body  and  soul, 
in  the  company  of  innumerable  saints  and  angels  ', 
but  especially  in  the  immediate  vision  and  fruition 
of  God  the  Father,  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
and  of  the  Holy  Spirit  to  all  eternity  m.  And 
this  is  the  perfect  and  full  communion,  which  the 
members  of  the  invisible  church  shall  enjoy  with 
Christ  in  glory,  at  the  resurrection  and  day  of 
judgment. 

on  his   right  hand,  Come  ye  angels,  to  the  general  assembly 

blessed  of  my  Father,  inherit  and  church  of  the    first-born^ 

the  kingdem  prepared  for  you  which  are  written   in  heaven, 

from    the    foundation    of    the  and  to  God  the  judge  of  all, 

world. — But  the  righteous  into  and  to  the  spirits  of  just  men 

-life  eternal.  made  perfect. 

1  Eph.  v.  27.  That  he  might  ■    1    John    iii.    2.     Beloved, 

present  it  to  himself  a  glorious  now  are  we  tile  sons  of  God, 

church,    not    having    spot    or  and    it    doth    not    yet   appear 

wrinkle.  Rev.  xxi.  17.  and  vii.  what   we   shall    be :    but    we 

17.   And  God  shall  wipe  away  know  that  when  he  shall  ap- 

a!l  tears  from  their  eyes.  Rev.  pear  we  shall  be  like  him  ;  for 

xiv.  15.  we  shall  see  him  as  he  is.     1 

k    Ps.   xvi.    11.    Thou   wilt  Cor.  xiii.  12.    Fornowwesee 

shew  me  the  path  of  life :  in  thy  through    a  glass   darkly ;    but 

presence  is  fulness  of  joy,  at  thy  then    face    to    face:    Now    I 

right  hand    are  pleasures   for  know  in  part ;  but  then  shall  I 

evermore.     1  Cor.  ii.  9.  know  even  as  also  I  am  known. 

■  Heb'.  xii.  22,  23.    But  ye  1  Thess.   iv.  17,  18.    So  shall 

are  come  unto  mount  Zion,  and  we    ever  be    with    the    Lord. 

unto  the  city  of  the  living  God,  Wherefore,  comfort   one  ano- 

the   heavenly   Jerusalem,   and  ther  with  these  words.    Rev. 

to  an  innumerable  company  of  xxii.  3,  4,  5. 


The  Larger  Catechism.  207 

Having  seen  what  the  Scriptures  principally  teach 
us  to  believe  concerning  God,  it  follows  to  consi- 
der what  they  require  as  the  duty  of  man. 

Q.  91.  What  is  the  duty  which  God  requireth 
of  man  ? 

A.  The  duty  which  God  requireth  of  man  is 
obedience  to  his  revealed  will n. 

Q.  92.  What  did  God  at  first  reveal  unto  man 
as  the  ride  of  his  obedience  ? 

A.  The  rule  of  obedience  revealed  to  Adam  in 
the  estate  of  innocence,  and  to  all  mankind  in  him, 
beside  a  special  command,  not  to  eat  of  the  fruit 
of  the  tree  of  the  knowledge  of  good  and  evil, 
was  the  moral  law  °. 

Q.  93.  What  is  the  moral  law  ? 

A.  The  moral  law  is  the  declaration  of  the 
will  of  God  to  mankind,  directing  and  binding 
every  one  to  personal,  perfect,  and  perpetual  con- 
formity and  obedience  thereunto,  in  the  frame 
and  disposition  of  the  whole  man,  soul  and  body  p, 

n  Deut  xxix.  29.   The  secret  of    the    law    written    in   their 

things  belong  unto   the   Lord  hearts.     Gen.  ii.  \7 . 
oar  God :  but  those  things  which       p   Deut.   v.    1,    2,   3    31.    33. 

are revealed  belong  unto  us,  and  Hear,    O    Israel,    the    statutes 

to  our  children  for  ever,  that  and  judgments  which  1  speak 

we   may  do   all  the  Words  of  in  your  ears  this  day,  that  ye 

this  law.     Mich.  vi.  8.    1  Sam.  may  learn  them,  and' keep  and 

xv.  S  do  '  them. — 1   will   speak    unto 

0    Rom.    x    5.     For    Moses  thee    all    the   commandments, 

ibcth     tht    righteousness  and  the  statutes,  and  the  judg- 

which  is  of  the  law,  that  the  ments   which  thcu  shalt  teach 

man    who    doeth    these    things  them,  that  they  may  do  them. 

shall  live   by  them.     Rom.  ii.  Ye  shall  walk  in  all  the  ways 

14,15.    Which  shew  the  work  which  the  Lcrd  your  God  hath 


208  The  Larger  Catechism. 

and  in  performance  of  all  those  duties  of  holiness 
and  righteousness  which  he  oweth  to  God  and 
man q  ;  Promising  life  upon  the  fulfilling,  and 
threatening  death  upon  the  breach  of  it r. 

Q.  94,  Is  there  any  use  of  the  moral  law  to 
man  since  the  fall? 

A.  Although  no  man  since  the  fall  can  attain 
to  righteousness  and  life  by  the  moral  law  9,  yet 
there  is  great  use  thereof,  as  well  common  to  all 
men,  as  peculiar  either  to  the  unregenerate,  or  the 

regenerate l. 

Q.  95.  Of  what  use  is  the  moral  law  to  all  men  ? 

A.  The  moral  law  is  of  use  to  all  men,  to  in- 
form them  of  the  holy  nature  and  will  of  God  % 
and  of  their  duty,  binding  them  to  walk  accord- 
ingly w;   to  convince  them  of  their  disability- to 

commanded  you.  Luke  x.  26,  tinueth  not  in  all  things  which 
27.  What  is  written  in  the  are  written  in  the  book  of  the 
Jaw,  how  readest  thou  ?  And  law  to  do  them, 
he  answering,  said,  Thou  shalt  *  Rom.  viii.  3.  For  what  the 
love  the  Lord  thy  God  with  all  law  could  not  do,  in  that  it  was 
thy  heart,  and  with  all  thy  soul,  weak  through  the  flesh,  God 
and  with  all  thy  strength,  and  sending  his  own  Son,  in  the 
with  all  thy  mind ;  and  thy  likeness  of  sinful  flesh,  and  for 
neighbour  as  thyself.  1  Thess.  sin  condemned  sin  in  the  flesh. 
v.  23.  I  pray  God,  your  whole  Gal.  ii.  16.  For  by  the  works 
spirit  and  soul  and  body  be  pre-  of  the  law  shall  "no  flesh  be 
served  blameless  unto  the  com-  justified, 
ing  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  «  1  Tim.  i.  8.    But  we  know 

i  Luke  i.  75.  In  holiness  that  the  law  is  good,  if  a  man 
and  righteousness  before  him  use  it  lawfully, 
all  the  days  of  our  life.  Acts  u  Lev.  xi.  45,  45.  For  I  am 
xxiv.  16.  And  herein  do  I  ex-  the  Lord  your  God:  ye  shall 
ercise  myself  to  have  always  a  therefore  sanctify  yourselves, 
conscience  void  of  offence  to-  and  ye  .shall  be  holy:  for  I  am 
ward  God,  and  toward  man.       holy.    Lev.  xx.  7",  8.   Rom.  vii. 

r  Rom.  x.  5.  The  man  12.  Wherefore  the  law  is  holy; 
which  doeth  these  things,  shall  and  the  commandment  holy 
live  by  them.    Gal.  iii."  10.  12.   and  just  and  good. 

rrsed  is  ever}*  one  that  ?on-       %v  Tarn.  ii.  10,  11.  For  \vhoso= 


The  Larger  Catechism.  209 

keep  it,  and  of  the  sinful  pollution  of  their  nature, 
hearts  and  lives  x,  to  humble  them  in  the  sense 
of  their  sin  and  misery  y,  and  thereby  help  them 
to  a  clearer  sight  of  the  need  they  have  of  Christ  \ 
and  of  the  perfection  cf  his  obedience  z. 

Q.  96.  What  particular  use  is  there  of  the  mo- 
ral law  to  unregenerate  men  ? 

A.  The  moral  law  is  of  use  to  unregenerate 
men,  to  awaken  their  consciences  to  flee  from  the 
wrath  to  come  b,  and  to  drive  them  to  Christ c ; 
Or,  upon  the  continuance  in  the  estate  and  way  of 
sin,  to  leave  them  inexcusable  d,  and  under  the 
curse  thereof6. 

ever  shall  offend  in  one  point,  God?  God  forbid  !  For  if  there 

he  is  guilty  of  all.    Mich.  vi.  8.  had  been  a  law  given  which 

What  doth  the  Lord  require  of  could  have    given    life,   verily 

thee,  but  to  do  justly,  and  to  righteousness  should  have  been 

love  mercy,  and  to  walk  hum-  by  the  law.    But  the  Scripture 

bly  with  thy  God?  hath  concluded   all  under  sin, 

"*  Ps.  xix   11,12.     Moreover  that   the   promise   by   faith   or 

by  them  is  thy  servant  warned.  Jesus  Christ  might  be  given  to 

-IWho  can  understand  his  er-  them  that  believe, 
rors?  Rom.  iii.  20.    For  by  the        a  Rom.   >:.  4.     For  Christ  is 

law   is  the  knowledge  of  sin.  the  end  of  the  law  for  rightc- 

Rom.  vii.  7.    I  had  not  known  ousnes3  to  every  one   that  be- 

sin,  but  by  the  law,  for  I  had  lieveth. 

not  known  lust,  except  the  law        b  1  Tim.  i.  9,  10.     Knowing 

had  said,  Thou  sh alt  not  covet,  this  that  the  law  is  not  made 

v  Rom.  iii.  9.  23.  What  then?  for  a  righteous  man,  but  for  the 

Are  we  better  than  they  ?  No,  lawless  and  disobedient,  for  the 

in  no  wise:   for  we  have   be-  ungodly  and  sinners,  &x.  Rom 

fore  proved  both  Jews  and  Gen-  vii.  9. 

tiles,  that  they  are  all  under       c    Gal.  iii.    24.     Wherefore 

sin.    For  all  have  sinned,  and  the  law  was  cur  school n. 

come  short  of  the  glory  of  God.  to  bring  us  unto   Christ,  that 

Rom.  vii.  9.  13.  When  the  we  might  be  justified  by  faith, 
commandment   came,    sin  re-        d  Rom.  i.  20.    So  that  they 

vived,  and   I  died. — That  sin  are  without  excuse   Compared 

by   the    commandment   might  with  Rom.  ii.  15. 
become  exceeding  sinful.  e  Gal.   iii.  10.     For  as  many 

*  Gal.  iii.  21,  22.    Is  the  law  as  are  of  the  works  of  the  law 

then   against  the  promises   of  are  under  the  curse. 

S2 


21Q  Ihe  Larger  Catechism, 

Q,  97.  What  special  use  is  there  of  the  mora'. 
law  to  the  regenerate  ? 

A.  Although  they  that  are  regenerate  and  be- 
lieve in  Christ,  be  delivered  from  the  moral  law 
as  a  covenant  of  works',  so  as  thereby  they  are 
neither  justified  s  nor  condemned  b :  Yet,  beside 
the  general  uses  thereof  common  to  them  with 
all  men,  it  is  of  special  use,  to  shew  them  how 
much  they  are  bound  to  Christ  for  his  fulfilling 
it,  and  enduring  the  curse  thereof  in  their  stead 
and  for  their  good l ;  and  thereby  to  provoke  them 
to  more  thankfulness  k,  and  to  express  the  same 
in  their  greater  care  to  conform  themselves  there- 
unto as  the  rule  of  their  obedience  \ 

f  Rom.  vii.  4.  6.    Wherefore  the     promise    of    the     Spirit 

my   brethren,  ye  also  are  be-  through  faith.    Rom.  viii.  3,  4. 

come  dead  to  the  law  by  the  For    what   the  law  could  not 

body  of  Christ ;  that  ye  should  do,  in  that  it  was  weak  through 

Le  married  to  another,  even  to  the  flesh,  God  sending  his  own 

him   who  is   raised  from    the  Son  in   the   likeness  of  sinful 

dead,   that    we    should    bring  flesh,    and  for  sin  condemned 

forth  fruit  unto  God  ;   but  now  sin  in  the  flesh  ;  that  the  righ- 

we  are  delivered  from  the  law,  teousness  of  the  law  might  be 

that   being   dead  wherein  we  fulfilled  in  us.     2  Cor.  v.  21. 

were    held:    that    we    should  k  Col.  i.  12,  13,  14.     Giving 

serve  in  newness  of  spirit,  and  thanks  unto  the  Father,  who 

not  in  the  oldness  of  the  letter,  hath  made  us  meet  to  be  par- 

And  vi.  14.    For  ye  are  notun-  takers  of  the  inheritance  of  the 

der  the  law,  but  under  grace.  .  saints  in  light :  Who  hath  de- 

6   Rom.   iii.  20.     Therefore  livered  us  from  the  power  of 

by  the  deeds  of  the  law  there  darkness,  and  hath  translated 

shall  no  flesh  be  justified  in  his  us  into  the  kingdom  of  his  dear 

sight.  Sen :  In  whom  we  have  redemp- 

h  Rom.  viii.  1.  33,  34.  There  tion   through   his  blood,   even 

is  therefore  now  no  condemna-  the  forgiveness  of  sins.    Luke 

tion  to  them  that  are  in  Christ  i.  68,  69.  74,  75. 

Jesus  :   Who  is  he  that  con-  I  Rom.  vii.  22.    For  I  delight 

denmeth  ?  in   the  law  of  God,  after  the 

*  Gai.  iii.  13,  14.  Christ  hath  inward  man.    Tit.   ii.   11,   12, 

redeemed  us  from  the  curse  of  13,  14.    For  the  grace  of  God 

the  law.   being  made  a  curse  that   bringeth    salvation,  hath 

for  us.    That  we  might  receive  appeared  to  all  men,  teaching 


The  Larger  Catechism/  211 

Q.  98.  Wherein  is  the  moral  law  summarily 
comprehended? 

A.  The  moral  law  is  summarily  comprehended 
in  the  ten  commandments,  which  were  delivered 
by  the  voice  of  God  upon  mount  Sinai,  and 
written  by  him  on  two  tables  of  stone  m  ;  and  are 
recorded  in  the  twentieth  chapter  of  Exodus-. 
The  four  first  commandments  containing  our  duty 
to  God,  and  the  other  six  our  duty  to  man  \ 

Q.  99.  What  rules  are  to  be  observed  for  the 
right  understanding  of  the  ten  commandments  ? 

A.  For  the  right  understanding  of  the  ten  com- 
mandments, these  rules  are  to  be  observed  ; 

1.  That  the  law  is  perfect,  and  bindeth  every 
one  to  full  conformity  in  the  whole  man  unto  the 
righteousness  thereof,  and  unto  entire  obedience 
for  ever;  so  as  to  require  the  utmost  perfection 
of  every  duty,  and  to  forbid  the  least  degree  of 
every  sin*. 

us  that  denying  ungodliness,  love  the  Lord  thy  God  "with 
and  worldly  lusts,  we  should  all  thy  heart,  and  with  all  thy 
live  soberly,  righteously,  and  soul,  and  with  all  thy  mind, 
godly  in  this  present  world;  This  is  the  first  and  great  com  - 
looking  for  that  blessed  hope,  mandment.  And  the  second 
and  the  glorious  appearing  of  is  like  unto  it,  Thou  shalt  leve 
the  great  God,  and  our  Saviour  thy  neighbour  as  thyself.  On 
Jer.us  Christ ;  who  gave  him-  these  two  commandments  hang 
self  for  us,  that  he  might  re-  all  the  law  and  theprophets. 
deem  us  from  all  iniquity,  and  °  Ps.  xix.  7.  The  law  cf 
purify  unto  himself  a  peculiar  the  Lord  is  perfect.  Jam.  ii.  10. 
people,  zealous  of  good  works.  For  whosoever  shall  keep  the 
Rom.  xii.  2.  whole  law,   and  yet  offend  in 

m  Deut.  x.  4.  And  he  wrote  one  point,  he  is  guilty  of  all. 
upon  the  tables,  according  to  Matt.  v.  20-  to  the  end'  Who 
the  first  writing,  the  ten  com-  soever  shall  say,  (to  his  bro- 
mandments.  Lx.  xxxiv.  1,  2,  ther)  Thou  fool,  shall  be  in 
3,  4.  danger  of  hell-fire.  Whosoever 

n  Matt.   xxii.  37,  38,  39,  40.  looketh  on  a  woman  to  lust  af- 
-uid  unto  him,  Thou  shalt  ter  her,  hath  committed  adu!- 


212  The  Larger  Catechisrn. 

2.  That  it  is  spiritual,  and  so  reacheth  the  un- 
derstanding, will,  affections,  and  all  other  pow- 
ers of  the  soul ;  as  well  as  words,  works,  and 
gestures  p. 

3.  That  one  and  the  same  thing,  in  divers  re- 
spects, is  required  or  forbidden  in  several  com- 
mandments q. 

4.  That  as,  where  a  duty  is  commanded,  the 
contrary  sin  is  forbidden  r ;  and  where  a  sin  is  for- 
bidden, the  contrary  duty  is  commanded5  :  So, 
where  a  promise  is  annexed,  the  contrary  threat- 
ening is  included ■ ;  and,  where  a  threatening  is 

teiy  with  her  already  in  his  r  Is.  Iviii.  13.  If  thou  turn 
heart.  But  let  your  com  muni-  away  thy  foot  from  the  sab- 
cation  be,  yea,  yea;  nay,  nay:  bath,  from  doing  thy  pleasure 
for  whatsoever  is  more  than  on  my  holy  day,  and  call  the 
these  cometh  of  evil.  But  I  sabbath  a  delight,  the  holy  of 
say  unto  you,  Love  your  ene-  the  Lord,  honourable,  and  shalt 
mies,  bless  them  that  curse  you,  honour  him,  not  doing  thine 
do  good  to  them  that  hate  you,  own  ways,  nor  finding  thine 
and  pray  for  them  that  despite-  own  pleasure,  nor  speaking 
fully  use  you,  and  persecute  thine  own  words.  Matt.  xv.  4, 
you.  5,    6.    For   God    commanded, 

p  Rom.  vii.  14.  For  we  know  saying,  Honour  thy  father  and 

that  the  law  is  spiritual.  Deut.  mother :   and,  he  that  curseth 

vi.  5.  Thou  shalt  love  the  Lord  father  or  mother,  let  him  die 

thy    God  with  all    thy  heart,  the  death.     But  ye  say,  Who- 

and  with  all  thy  soul,  and  with  soever  shall  say  to  hut  father  or 

all  thy  might.    Matt.   xxii.  37",  his    mother,    It    is    a   gift   by 

38,  39.     Matt.  xii.  36,  37.  whatsoever   thou  mightest    be 

9  Col.  iii.  5.    Mortify  there-  profited  by  me,  and  honour  not 

fore  your  members  which   are  his  father   or  his  mother,  he 

upon    the    earth:    fornication,  shall  be  free.    Thus   have  ye 

unclean ness,    inordinate    affec-  made    the    commandment    of 

tion,   evil    concupiscence,    and  God  of  none  efftct  by  your  tra- 

covetousness  which  is  idolatry,  dition.   Deut.  vi.  13.  Compared 

1  Tim.  vi.  8.    For  the  love  of  with  Matt.  iv.  9,  10. 

money  is  the  root  of  all  evil ;  *  Eph.  iv.  28.     Let  him  that 

which  while  some  coveted  after,  stole,  steal  no  more,  but  rather 

they  have  erred  from  the  faith,  let  him  labour,  8cc. 

and  pierced  themselves  through  e  Ex.  xx.    12.    Honour   thy 

with  .many  sorrows.     Ex    xx.  father   and  thy   mother,  that 

3,  4,  5.    Amos  viii.  5.  thy  days  may  be  long  upon  the 


The  Larger  Catechism.  213 

annexed,  the  contrary  promise  is  included11. 
«S.  That  what  God  forbids,  is  at  no  time  to  be 
done  w  ;  what  he  commands  is  always  our  duty  x; 
and  yet  every  particular  duty  is  not  to  be  done  at 
all  times  y. 

6.  That,  under  one  sin  or  duty,  all  of  the  same 
kind,  are  forbidden  or  commanded  ;  together  with 
all  the  causes,  means,  occasions  and  appearances 
thereof,  and  provocations  thereunto  z. 

7.  That  what  is  forbidden  or  commanded  to 
ourselves,  we  are  bound,  according  to  our  places, 
to  endeavour  that  it  may  be  avoided  or  perform- 
ed by  others,  according  to  the  duty  of  their 
places  \ 

land  which  the  Lord  thy  God  may  come ;  whose  damnation 
dvetb  thee.  Compared  with  is  just.  Heb.  xi.  25. 
Prov.  xxx.  17.  The  eye  that  *  Deut.  iv.  8,  9.  Only  take 
mocketh  at  his  father,  and  des-  heed  to  thyself,  and  keep  thy 
piseth  to  obey  his  mother,  the  soul  diligently,  lest  thou  forget 
ravens  of  the  valley  shall  pick  the  things  which  thine  eyes 
it  out,  and  the  young  eagles  have  seen,  and  lest  they  depart 
shall  eat  it.  from  thy  heart  all  the  days  of 

°  Jer.  xviii.  7.  At  what  in-  thy  life:  but  teach  them  thy 
stant  I  shall  speak  concerning  a  sons,  and  thy  sons'  sons. 
nation,  and  concerning  a  king-  y  Matt.  xii.  7.  But  if  ye  had 
dom,  to  pluck  up,  and  to  pull  known  what  this  meaneth,  I 
down,  and  to  destroy  it :  if  will  have  mercy  and  not  sacri 
that  nation  against  whom  I  fice,  ye  would  not  have  con- 
have  pronounced,  turn  from  demned  the  guiltless.  Mark 
their  evil  way,  I  will  repent  of  xiv.  7. 

the  evil  that  I  thought  to  do  ■  1  Thess.  v.  22.  Abstain 
unto  them.  Ex.  xx.  7.  Thou  from  all  appearance  of  e 
shalt  not  take  the  name  of  the  Gal.  v.  26.  Let  us  not  be  desi- 
Lord  thy  God  in  vain;  for  the  rous  of  vain  glory,  provoking 
Lord  will  not  hold  him  guilt-  another,  envying  one  another. 
th*t  taketh  his  name  in  Heb.  x.  24.  Let  us  consider 
vain.  Compared  with  Ps.  xv.  1.  one  another,  to  provoke  unto 
4,  5.  and  with  Ps.  xxiv.  4,  5.       love  and  to  good  work*.     C  ; 

w  Rom.   iii.  8.     And  not  ra-    hi.  21. 
ther,  as  we  be  slanderously  re-       ■    Ex.   xx.    10.     But  the  se- 
ported,  and  as  some  affirm  that    venth  day  is  the  sabbath  of  the 
v,  Let  us  do  evil,  that  good   Lord  thy  God:  in  it  thou  shalt 


214  The  Larger  Catechism. 

8.  That  in  what  is  commanded  to  others,  we 
are  bound,  according  to  our  places  and  callings, 
to  be  helpful  to  them b ;  and  to  take  heed  of  par- 
taking  with  others  in  what  is  forbidden  them  c. 

Q.  100.  What  special  things  are  we  to  consider 
in  the  ten  commandments  ? 

A.  We  are  to  consider  in  the  ten  command- 
ments, the  preface,  the  substance  of  the  command- 
ments themselves,  and  several  reasons  annexed 
to  some  of  them  the  more  to  enforce  them. 

Q,  101.  What  is  the  preface  to  the  ten  com* 
mandments  ? 

A.  The  preface  to  the  ten  commandments  is 
contained  in  these  words,  I  am  the  Lord  thy  God, 
which  have  brought  thee  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt, 
out  of  the  house  of  bondage d.  Wherein  God 
manifesteth  his  sovereignty,  as  being  Jehovah, 
the  eternal,  immutable,  and  almighty  God  e ;  hav- 

not  do  any  work,  thou,  nor  thy  thou  risest  up.  Jos.  xxiv.  15. 
son,  nor  thy  daughter,  nor  thy  b  2  Cor.  i.  24.  Not  for  that 
man  servant,  nor  thy  maid  we  have  dominion  over  your 
servant,  nor  thy  cattle,"nor  thy  faith,  but  are  helpers  of  your 
stranger    that    is    within    thy  joy. 

gates.  Gen.  xviii.  19.  For  I  c  I  Tim.  v.  22.  Lay  hands 
know  him  that  he  will  command  suddenly  on  no  man,  neither 
his  children  and  his  household  be  partaker  of  other  men's 
after  him,  and  they  shall  keep  sins:  keep  thyself  pure.  Eph, 
the  way  of  the  Lord,  to  do  jus-  v.  11.  And  have  no  fellowship 
tice  and  judgment.  Deut.  vi.  with  the  unfruitful  works  of 
6,  7.  And  these  words  which  darkness,  but  rather  reprove 
I  command  thee  this  day,  shall  them, 
be  in  „  thine  heart :  and  thou  d  Ex.  xx.  2. 
shalt  teach  them  diligently  •  Is.  xliv.  6.  Thus  saith  the 
unto  thy  children,  and  shalt  Lord,  the  King  of  Israel,  and 
talk  of  them  when  thou  sittest  his  Redeemer  the  Lord  of 
in  thine  house,  and  when  thou  Hosts,  I  am  the  first,  and  I  am 
walkest  by  the  way,  and  when  the  last,  and  besides  me  there 
th9u    liest    down,    and    when  is  no  God. 


The  Largci-  Catechism.  215 

iiig  his  being  in  and  of  himself f,  and  giving  being 
to  all  his  words g  and  works h  :  And  that  he  is  a 
God  in  covenant,  as  with  Israel  of  old,  so  with 
all  his  people  l ;  who  as  he  brought  them  out  of 
their  bondage  in  Egypt,  so  he  delivereth  us  from 
our  spiritual  thraldom  k  ;  and  that  therefore  we  are 
bound  to  take  him  for  our  God  alone,  and  to  keep 
all  his  commandments  *. 

Q.  102.  What  is  the  sum  of  the  four  command- 
ments which  contain  our  duty  to  God? 

A.  The  sum  of  the  four  commandments  con- 
taining  our  duty  to  God,  is  to  love  the  Lord  our 
God  with  all  our  heart,  and  with  all  our  soul,  and 
with  all  our  strength,  and  with  all  our  mind  m. 

Q.  103.  Which  is  the  first  commandment? 

f  Ex.  iii.  14.     And  God  said  k  Luke  i.  74,  75.    That  he 

into  Moses,  1  AM  that  I  AM:  would  grant  unto  us,  that  we 

And  he  said   thus  shalt  thou  being  delivered  out  of  the  hand 

say  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  of  our   enemies,   might   serve 

1  AM  hath  sent  me  unto  you.  him   without  fear,  in   holiness 

k  Ex.  vi.  3.    And  I  appeared  and  righteousness  before  him, 

unto  Abraham,  unto  Isaac,  and  all  the  days  of  our  life, 

unto  Jacob  by  the  name  of  God  *  I  Pet.  i.  15,  16,  17,  18.    But 

Almighty,  bat  by  my  name  Je-  as  he  who  hath  called  you  is 

hovah    was    1   not   known    to  holy,  so  be  ye  holy  in  all  manner 

them.  of  conversation :   because  it  is 

u  Acts  xvii.  24.  28.    God  that  written,  Be  ye  holy,  for  I   am 

made  the  world  and  all  things  holy.     And   if  ye  call  on   the 

therein,  seeing  that  he  is  Lord  Father,   who   without   respect 

of  heaven  and  earth,  dwelleth  of   persons  judgeth    according 

not     in     temples    made    with  to  every  man's  work,  pass  the 

hands. — For    in  him   we   live,  time   of  your  sojourning  here 

and  move,  and  have  our  being,  in  fear. — Forasmuch  as  ye  know 

1  Gen.  xvii.  7.    And  I  will  that  ye  were  not  redeemed  with 

establish  my  covenant  between  corruptible  things,  as  silver  and 

me  and  thee.    Compared  with  gold,  from  your  vain  conversa- 

Hom.  iii.  29.    Is  he  the  God  of  tion.      .               ;ii.  30.  and  \i>:. 

the  Jews  only?  Is  he  not  also  37.     (See  also  letter  k.) 

of  the  Gentiles?   Yes,  of  the  2T.    Thou  shalt 

Gentiles  also.  love  the  Lord,  8ce. 


i 


216  The  Larger  Catechism. 

A.  The  first  commandment  is,  Thou  shah  have 
no  other  gods  before  me  °. 

Q,  104.  What  are  the  duties  required  in  the 
first  commandment  ? 

A.  The  duties  required  in  the  first  command- 
ment are,  the  knowing  and  acknowledging  of 
God  to  be  the  only  true  God,  and  our  God  ° ; 
and  to  worship  and  glorify  him  according- 
lyp;  by  thinking q,  meditating r,  remember. 
mgs,  highly  esteeming1,  honouring u,  ador- 
ing w,  choosing  %  loving y,  desiring  %  fearing  of 

B  Ex.  xx.  3.  and   a   book  of  remembrance 

°  1  Chr.  xxviii.  9.  And  thou  was  written  before  him  for 
Solomon,  my  son,  know  thou  them  that  feared  the  Lord,  and 
theGod  of  thy  father,  and  serve  thought  upon  his  name, 
him  with  a  perfect  heart,  and  r  Ps.  lxiii.  6.  When  I  re- 
with  a  willing  mind.  Deut.  member  thee  upon  my  bed, 
xxvi.  17.  Thou  hast  avouched  and  meditate  on  thee  in  the 
the  Lord  this  day  to  be  thy  night  watches. 
God.  Is.  xliii.  10.  Ye  are  my  $  Ec  xii.  1.  Remember  now 
witnesses,  saith  the  Lord,  and  thy  Creator  in  the  days  of  thy 
my  servant  whom  I  have  cho-  youth. 

sen:  that  ye  may  know  and  c  Ps.  lxxi.  19.  Thy  righte- 
believe  me,  and  understand  that  ousness  also,  O  God,  is  very 
I  am  he ;  before  me  there  was  high,  who  hast  done  great 
no  God  formed,  neither  shall  things:  O  God,  who  is  like 
there  be  after  me.   Jer.  xiv.  22.  unto  thee  ? 

p  Ps.  xcv.  6,  7.  O  come,  let  °  Mai.  i.  6.  If  then  I  be  a 
us  worship  and  bow  down :  father,  where  is  my  honour  ? 
let  us  kneel  before  the  Lord  w  Is.  xlv.  23.  I  have  sworn 
our  Maker.  For  he  is  our  God,  by  myself,  the  word  is  gone 
and  we  are  the  people  of  his  out  of  my  mouth  in  righteous- 
pasture,  and  the  sheep  of  his  ness,  and  shall  not  return,  that 
hand.  Matt.  iv.  10.  Thou  shalt  unto  me  shall  every  knee  bow, 
worship  the  Lord  thy  God,  and  every  tongue  shall  swear.  Ps. 
him  only  shalt  thou  serve,  cvi.  xxi.  and  xcvi.  throughout. 
Ps.  xxix.  2.  Give  unto  the  Lord  K  Jos.  xxiv.  15.  22.  Ye  are 
the  glory  due  unto  his  name:  witnesses  against  yourselves  that 
worship  the  Lord  in  the  beauty  ye  have  chosen  you  the  Lord 
of  holiness.  to  be  your  God,  to  serve  him. 

*    Mai.  iii.  16.     Then  they       y  Deut.  vi.  5.  And  thou  shalt 
that  feared  the  Lord,  spake  of-  love  the  Lord  thy  God. 
ten   one  to  another,   and    the       *  Ps.  Ixxiii.  25.    Whom  have 
Lord  hearkened,  and  heard  it,  I  in  heaven  but  thee?  and  there  I 


The  Larger  Catechism. 


217 


hima;  believing  himb;  trusting0,  hoping d,  de- 
lighting %  rejoicing  in  himf;  being  zealous  for 
him  g ;  calling  upon  him ;  giving  all  praise  and 
thanks  h,  and  yielding  all  obedience  and  submis- 
sion to  him  with  die  whole  man1;  being  careful 
in  all  things  to  please  him  k,  and  sorrowful  when 
in  any  thing  he  is  offended  ■  ;  and  walking  humbly 
with  him  m. 

Q.  105.  What  are  the  sins  forbidden  in  the  first 
commandment  ? 

A.  The  sins  forbidden  in  the  first  command- 
ment are  atheism,  in  denying,  or  not  having  a 
God "  ;  idolatry,  in  having  or  worshipping  more 


is  none  upon  earth  that  I  desire 
:  :e  thee. 

a    ft.   viii.    13.     Sanctify  the 
Lord  of  Hosts  himself,  and  let 
liirn  be  your  fear,  and  let  him 
our  dread. 

Ex.  xiv.  31.  And  the  peo- 
ple feared  the  Lord,  and  be- 
lieved the  Lord.  Rom.  x.  11. 
Acts  x.  43. 

Is  xxvi.  4.  Trust  ye  in  the 
Lord  for  ever.   Ps  xl.  4. 

d    Ps.    cxxx.    7.    Let  Israel 

in  the  Lord. 
•  Ps.  xxxvii.  5.   Delight  thy- 

ilso  in  the  Lord. 
f   IV  xxxii.  11.     Be  glad  in 
the  Lord,  and  rejoice  ye  righte- 
11   ye 
.re  upright  in  heart. 

it  in 

iii.   19.     Be    zealous 
Num.  xxv.  11. 

iv.  6.    But  in  i 

plica- 


'  Jer.  vii.  23.  But  this  thing 
minded  1  them,  saying, 
Obey  my  voice,  and  I  will  be 
your  God,  and  ye  shall  be  my 
people :  and  walk  ye  in  all  the 
ways  that  I  have  commanded 
you.  Jam.  iv.  7.  Submit  your- 
selves therefore  to  God.  Rom. 
xii.  1. 

k  1  John  iii.  22.  And  what- 
soever  we  ask,  we  receive  of 
him,  because  we  keep  his  com- 
mandments, and  do  those 
things  that  are  pleasing  in  his 
sight. 

1  Neh.  xiii.  22.  And  it  grieved 
me  sore.  Ps.  Ixxiii.  21.  Thus 
my  heart  was  grieved.  Ps.  cxix. 
136.  Rivers  of  waters  run 
down  mine  eyes;  because  they 
thy  law.    Jtr.   :. 

I  lich.  vi.  8.    And  to  walk 
humbly  with  thy  God. 
■  Ps.  xiv    l.      ' 

is  no 
1- ph.  ii.  12.    And  with 
God  in  the  world. 


218  The  Larger  Catechism. 

gods  than  one,  or  any  with,  or  instead  of  the 
true  God  ° ;  the  not  having  and  vouching  him  for 
God,  and  our  God  p  ;  the  omission  or  neglect  of 
any  thing  due  to  him,  required  in  this  command- 
ment il ;  ignorance  r,  forgetfulness  %  misapprehen- 
sions %  false  opinions11,  unworthy  and  wicked 
thoughts  of  him  w ;  bold  and  curious  searchings  in- 
into  his  secrets x;  all  prophanenessy,  hatred  of  God  % 

0  Jer.  ii.  27,  28.  Saying  to  a  forgotten  me  days  without  num- 
stock,  Thou  art  my  father ;  and  ber.  Ps.  1.  22. 
toastone^Thou  hast  brought  me  ■  Acts  xvii.  23.  29.  For  as  I 
forth.  Where  are  thy  gods  that  passed  by,  and  beheld  your  de- 
thou  hast  made  thee  ? — for  ac-  votions  I  found  an  altar  with 
cording  to  the  number  of  thy  this  inscription,  to  the  un- 
cities  are  thy  gods,  O  Judah.  known  God.  Whom  there- 
Compared  with  1  Thess.  i.  9.  fore  ye  ignorantly  worship  him 

p  Ps.  lxxxi.  11.  But  my  peo-  declare  I  unto  you.  We  ought 
pie  would  not  hearken  to  my  not  to  think  that  the  Godhead 
voice,  and  Israel  would  none  of  is  like  unto  gold,  or  silver,  or 
me.  stone,  graven  by  art  and  man's 

q   Is.  xliii.   22,   23,   24.     But   device, 
thou  hast  not  called  upon  me,       u  Is.  si.  18.    To  whom  then 
O    Jacob,    but   thou  hast  been   will   ye  liken   God  ?   or  what 
weary  of  me,  O  Israel.     Thou   likeness  will  ye  compare  unto 
hast  not  brought  me  the   small  him  ? 

cattle  of  thy  burnt-offerings,  w  Ps.  1.  21.  These  things 
neither  hast  thou  honoured  me  hast  thou  done,  and  I  kept  si- 
witli  thy  sacrifices.  lence  :   thou  thoughtest  that  I 

1  Jer.  iv.  22.  For  my  people  was  altogether  such  an  one  as 
is  foolish,  they  have  not  known  thyself:  but  I  will  reprove  thee, 
me,  they  are  sottish  children,  and  set  them  in  order  before 
and  they  have  no  understand-   thine  eyes. 

ing :  they  are  wise  to  do  evil,  *  Deut.  xxix.  29.  The  secret 

but   to  do  good  they   have  no  things   belong   unto   the   Lord 

Knowledge.    Hos.  iv.  1.  6.    For  our  God. 

the  Lord  hath    a  controversy  >'    Tit.  i.  16.     They  profess 

with    the    inhabitants    of    the  that   they  know  God:   but    in 

land;  because  there  is  no  truth,  works    they  deny    him,    being 

nor  mercy  nor  knowledge    of  abominable,     and    disobedient, 

God  in  the  land.     My  people  and  to  every  good  work  repro- 

are  destroyed  for  lack  of  know-  bate.     Heb.  xii.  16 

ledge.        '  z   Rom.    i.    SO.     Backbiters, 

*  Jer.  ii.  32.   Can  a  maid  for-  haters  of  God,  despiteful,  proud, 

get  her  ornaments,  or  a  bride  boasters, 
her  attire  ?  yet  my  people  have 


The  Larger  Catechism. 


219 


self-love a,  self-seeking b,  and  all  other  inordinate 
and  immoderate  setting  of  our  mind,  will  or  af- 
fections upon  other  things,  and  taking  them  off 
from  him  in  whole  or  in  partc ;  vain  credulity d, 
unbelief*,  heresy f,  misbelief  g,  distrust h,  despair1; 
incorrigibleness  k,  and  insensibleness  under  judg- 
ments l,  hardness  of  heart m,  pride",  presump- 
tion0, carnal  security p,  tempting  of  Godq: 
using  unlawful  means r,   and  trusting  in  lawful 


*  2  Tim.  iii.  2.  For  men  shall 
be  lovers  of  their  ownselves, 
covetous,  5cc. 

b  Phil.  ii.  21.  For  all  seek 
their  own,  not  the  things  which 
are  Jesus  Christ's. 

c  1  John  ii.  15,  16.  Love  not 
the  world,  neither  the  things 
that  are  in  the  world  ;  if  any 
man  love  the  world,  the  love 
of  the  Father  is  not  in  him. 
1  Sam.  ii.  29.  And  honourest 
thv  sons  above  me.  Col  iii.  2.  5. 
John  iv.  1.  Beloved,  be- 
ndt  every  spirit,  but  try 
the  spirits  whether  they  are  of 
God  ;  because  many  false  pro- 
phets are  gone  out  into  the 
world. 

e  Heb.  iii.  12.  Take  heed 
brethren,  lest  there  be  in  any 
of  you  an  evil  heart  of  unbe- 
lief, in  departing  from  the  liv- 
ing God. 

f  Gal.  v.  20.  Idolatry,  witch- 
craft, hatred,  variance,  emula- 
tions,   wr 

s.    Tit.  iii.  10 

p    Acts  I     verilv 

thought    with     n.vsclf,    that  'I 
•  to  do  many  things  contrary 
to  thenam< 

11  Ps.  1\\  they 

believed  not  in  God,  and  trusted 
not  in  his  salvat  i 

1  ('  And  Cain 


My  punishment  is  greater  than 
I  can  bear. 

k  Jer.  v.  3.  Thou  hast  strick- 
en them,  but  they  have 
grieved ;  thou  hast  consumed 
them,  but  they  have  refused  to 
receive  correction  ;  they  have 
made  their  faces  harder  than 
a  rock,  they  have  refused  lb, 
return. 

1  Is.  xlii.  25.  Yet  he  knew  not; 
— yet  he  laid  it  not  to  heart. 

m  Rom.  ii.  5.     But  after  thy 
hardness  and  impenitent  heart, 
treasurest  up  unto  th; 
against  the  day  of  wrath,  and 
revelation     of  '  the      rigi  : 
judgment  of  God. 

n  Jer.  xiii.  15.  Hear  ye, 
rive  ear,  be  not  proud  ;  for 
Lord  hath  spoken. 

•    Ps.    xix.    13.     Keep 
thy  servant  also  from  presump- 
tuous  sins: — then  shall  I  be— 
innocent  from  the  great  trans- 
gression. 

p  Zeph.  i.    12.     And  punish 

the    mm    that  ed   on 

their  lees :    that    say  in   their 

heart,  The  Lord  will  not  do 

.  nor  will  he  do  evil. 

Matt  iv.  7.   Thou  shalt  not 

r   Horn.   iii.   8.     And    not   ra- 
(as   wo  be    slanderously 


220  The  Larger  Catechism. 

means s ;  carnal  delights  and  joys ' ;  corrupt,  blind, 
and  indiscreet  zeal u ;  lukewarmness  w,  and  dead- 
ness  in  the  things  of  God  x ;  estranging  ourselves, 
and  apostatizing  from  Gody ;  praying,  or  giving 
any  religious  worship,  to  saints,  angels,  or  any 
other  creatures z ;  all  compacts  and  consulting 
with  the  devil a,  and  hearkening  to  his  sugges- 
tions b ;  making  men  the  lords  of  our  faith  and 
conscience c ;  slighting  and  despising  God,  and 
his  commands d ;    resisting   and  grieving  of  his 

that  we   say,)  Let  us   do  evil  their  staff  declareth  unto  them : 

that  good  may  come?  Rev.  xix.  10.     And  I  fell  at  his 

■  Jer.  xvii.  5.    Cursed  be  the  feet  to  worship  him  ;  and  he 

man  that  trusteth  in  man,  and  said  unto  me,  See  thou  do  it 

maketh    flesh     his    arm,    and  not :    I  am  thy  fellow-servant, 

whose  heart  departeth  from  the  and  of  thy  brethren  that  have 

Lord.  the  testimony  of  Jesus  ;  wor- 

r    2    Tim.    iii.    4.     Traitors,  ship  God.    Col.  ii.  18.     Let  no 

heady,  high-minded,   lovers  of  man  beguile  you  of  your  reward, 

pleasures  more  than  lovers  of  in    a   voluntary   humility,   and 

God.  worshipping  of  angels,   intrud- 

u  Gal.  iv.  17.    They  .zealously  ing  into  those  things  which  he 

affect  you,  but  not  well ;  Rom.  hath  not  seen,  vainly  puffed  ap 

x.  2.     For  I  bear  them  record,  by  his  fleshly  mind    Rom.  i  25. 

that  they  have  a  zeal  of  God,  a  Lev.  xx.  6     And  the  soul 

but  not  according  to  knowledge,  that  turneth  after  such  as  have 

John  xvi.  2.     Luke  ix.  54,  55.  familiar  spirits,  and  after  wiz- 

w  Rev.  iii.  16.     So  then,  be-  ards,    to    go   a    whoring   after 

cause  thou  art  lukewarm,  and  them,   I  will  even  set  my  face 

neither  cold  nor  hot,  I  will  spue  against  that  soul,  and  will  cut 

thee  out  of  my  mouth.  him  off  from  among  his  people. 

x  Rev.   iii    1.      I   know  thy  1  Sam.  xxviii.  7.  11.  Compared 

works  that  thou  hast  a  name,  with   1  Chr.  x.  13,  14. 

that  thou  livest,  and  art  dead.  b  Acts  v.  3.     But  Peter  said, 

y  Ez.  xiv.  5.     Because  they  Ananias,  why  hath  Satan  filled 

are    all    estranged    from     me  thine  heart,  to  lie  to  the  Holy 

through  their  idols.    Is.  i.  4,  5.  Ghost,  and  to  keep  back  part 

They  have  forsaken  the  Lord,  of.  the  price  of  the  land  ? 

they  are  gone  away  backward.  c  2  Cor.  i.  24.     Not  for  that 

Why  should  ye  be  stricken  any  we   have  dominion  over  your 

more?  Ye  will  revolt  more  and  faith,  but  are  helpers  of  your 

more.  joy.    Matt,  xxiii.  9. 

2  Hos.  iv.  12.    My  people  ask  d  Deut.  xxxii.  15.    Then  he 

counsel   at    their    stocks,   and  forsook    God  that  made   him, 


The  Larger  Catechism. 


221 


spirit  %  discontent  and  impatience  at  his  dispen- 
sations, charging  him  foolishly  for  the  evils  he 
inflicts  on  usf;  and  ascribing  the  praise  of  any 
^ood  we  either  are,  have,  or  can  do,  to  fortune  &, 
idols h,  ourselves1,  or  any  other  creature  k. 

Q.  106.  TVhat  are  we  especially  taught  by  these 
words  (before  me)  in  the  first  commandment? 

A.  These  words  [before  me)  or  btfore  my 
face,  in  the  first  commandme»,  teach  us,  that 
God,  who  seeth  all  things,  taketh  special  notice 
of,  and  is  much  displeased  with,  the  sin  of  having 
any  other  god  :  That  so  it  may  be  an  argument 
to  dissuade  from  it,  and  to  aggravate  it  as  a  most 
impudent  provocation  ■ ;  as  also  to  persuade  us  to 
do  as  in  his  sight,  whatever  we  do  in  his  service  m. 


and  lightly  esteemed  the  rock 
of  his  salvation.  Prow  xiii.  13. 
Whoso despiseth  the  word,  shall 
be  destroyed  :  but  he  that  fear- 
eth  the  commandment,  shall  be 
rdexL     2  Sam.  xii  9. 

*  Acts  vii.  51.  Ye  stiff-necked 
and  uncircumcised  in  heart  and 
ears,  ye  do  always  resist  the 
Holy  Ghost.  Eph.'iv.  30-     And 

"  not  the  holy  Spirit  of  God. 

•  Ps   Ixxiii.  2,  3.   13,  14,  15. 
22.  Rut  as  for  me  my  feet 
almost  ps  had  well 
nigh  slipt.     For  1  v. 

at  the  foolish,  when  1  saw  the 

te  wicked,    8cc 

i.  vi.  7,  8,  9.     But  if 

then  shall  we  know  that  it 

t  his  hand  that  sm«  t< 

it  was  a  chance  that  happened 

'•  Dan.  v.  23.     And  thou  hast 
ptatsed  the   gods  of 
gold,  of   brass,  iron,  wood  and 
stone,  which  see  not,  nor  I 


nor  know ;  and  the  God,  in 
whose  hand  thy  breath  is,  and 
whose  are  ail  thy  ways,  hast 
thou  not  glorified. 

'  Dent  viii.  17  And  thou  say 
in  thine  heart,  My  power  and 
the  might  of  my  hand  hath 
rotten  me  this  wealth.  Dan. 
iv.  30. 

k  Hab.  i.  16.  Therefore 
they  sacrifice  unto  their  net, 
and  burn  incense  unto  their 
drag. 

'  Ps  xliv.  20,  21.  If  we  have 
forgotten  the  name  of  our  G<«i, 
or  stretched  out  our  hands  to  a 
strange  god:  Shall  not  <iod 
search  this  he  know- 

-  of  the  h 

ter.  And  behold  northward,  at 
the  e  dtar,  this  in 

■Mousy  in  the  entry.  But 
turn  thee  yet  again,  and  thou 
shalt  see  greater  abotainati 

m  1  Chr.  xxviii.  9.  And  thou, 

T  2 


222  The  Larger  Catecfrism. 

Q.  107.  Which  is  the  second  commandment? 

A.  The  seeond  commandment  is,  Thou  shalt 
not  make  unto  thee  any  graven  image,  or  any 
likeness  of  any  thing  that  is  in  heaven  above,  or  that 
is  in  the  earth  beneath,  or  that  is  in  the  water  under 
the  earth.  Thou  shalt  not  bow  down  thyself  to 
them,  nor  serve  them;  For  I  the  Lord  thy  God  am 
a  jealous  God,  visiti?ig  the  iniquity  of  the  fathers 
upon  the  children  Mnto  the  third  and  fourth  genera- 
tlon  of  them  that/iate  me:  And  shewing  mercy  un- 
to thousands  of  them  that  love  ?ne>  and  keep  my 
commandments  n. 

x  Q.  108,  What  are  the  duties  required  in  the  se- 
cond commandment  ? 

A.  The  duties  required  in  the  second  com- 
mandment are,  the  receiving,  observing,  and 
keeping  pure  and  entire,  all  such  religious  wor- 
ship and  ordinances  as  God  hath  instituted  in  his 
word  ° ;  particularly  prayer  and  thanksgiving  in 
the  name  of  Christ p  ;  the  reading,  preaching  and 
hearing  of  the  word  q ;  the  administration  and  re- 
Solomon,  my  son,  know  thou  vi.  13,  14.  That  thou  keep  this 
the  God  of  thy  father,  and  commandment  without  spot* 
serve  him  with  a  perfect  heart,  unrebukeable,  until  the  appear- 
and with  a  willing  mind:  for  ing  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 
the  Lord  searcheth  all  hearts,  Acts  ii.  42. 
-nd  understandeth  all  the  ima-  p  Phil.  iv.  6.  Be  careful  for 
ginations  of  the  thoughts,  nothing :  but  in  every  thing  by 

n  Ex.  xx.  4,  5,  6.  prayer  and    supplication  with 

•  Deut.  xxxii.  46,  47.  Set  thanksgiving,  let  your  requests 
your  hearts  unto  all  the  words  be  made  known  unto  God.. 
which  I  testify  among  you  this  Eph.  v.  20. 
day;  which  ye  shall  command  *  Deut.  xvii.  18,  19.  That  he 
your  children  to  observe,  to  do  shall  write  him  a  copy  of  this 
all  the  words  of  this  law.  Matt,  law  in  a  book, — and  it*  shall  be 
xxviik  20.  Teaching  them  to  with  him,  and  he  shall  read 
observe  all  things  whatsoever  I  therein  all  the  days  of  his  life ; 
hare  commanded  you.    1  Tim.  Acts  xv.  2£  For  Moses— hath 


The  Larger  Catechism. 


222 


ceiving  of  the  sacraments1*;  church-government 
and  discipline  • ;  the  ministry  and  maintenance 
thereof c ;  religious  fasting  u  ;  swearing  by  the 
name  of  Godw  ;  and  vowing  unto  him  x :  As  also 
the  disapproving,  detesting,  opposing  all  false  wor- 
ship y  ;  and,  according  to  each  one's  place  and  call- 


in  every  city  them  that  preach 
him,  being  read  in  the  synago- 
gues every  sabbath-day.  2 
Tim.  iv.  2.  Preach  the  word, 
be  instant  in  season,  out  of  sea- 
son ;  reprove,  rebuke,  exhort, 
with  all  long-suffering  and  doc- 
trine. James  i.  21,  22. — Re- 
ceive with  meekness  the  in- 
grafted word.     Acts  x.  S3. 

1  Matt  xxviii.  19.  Go  ye 
therefore  and  teach  all  nations, 
baptizing  them  in  the  name  of 
the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and 
of  the  Holy  Ghost.  1  Cor.  xi. 
from  the  23d  to  the  50th  verse. 
For  I  have  received  of  the 
Lord,  that  which  also  I  deli- 
vered unto  you,  that  the  Lord 
Jesus,  the  same  night  in  which 
he  was  betrayed,  took  bread, 

■  Matt.  xvi.  19.  And  I  will 
give  unto  thee  the  keys  of  the 
kingdom  of  heaven  ;  and  what- 
soever thou  shalt  bind  on  earth 
shall  be  bound  in  heaven ;  and 
whatsoever  thou  shalt  loose  on 
earth,  shall  be  loosed  in  hea- 
ven. And  John  xx.  2".  Matt. 
xviii.  15,  lb,  17.  And  if  he  shall 
neglect  to  hear  them,  tell  it 
the  church  :  but  if  he  neg- 
to  hear  the  church,  let 
him  be  unto  thee  as  an  heathen 
man  and  a  publican.  1  Cor.  v. 
r.  xii.  28. 

"  Eph.  iv  11,  12.  And  he 
fcave  some,  apostles ;  and  some, 
prophets;   and  some,   evange- 


lists; and  some,  pastors  and 
teachers;  for  the  perfecting  of 
the  saints,  for  the  work  of  the 
ministry,  for  the  edifying  of 
the  body  of  Christ.  1  Tim.  v. 
17,  18.  Let  the  elders  that 
rule  well  be  counted  worthy  of 
double  honour,  especially  they 
who  labour  in  the  word  and 
doctrine.  For  the  scripture 
saith,  Thou  shalt  not  muzzle 
the  ox  that  treadeth  out  the 
corn,  and,  The  labourer  is  wor- 
thy of  his  reward.  1  Cor.  ix. 
1,  to  15. 

u  Joel  ii.  12,  13.  Therefore 
also  now  saith  the  Lord,  Turn 
ye  even  to  me  with  all  your 
heart;  and  with  fasting,  and 
with  weeping,  and  with  mourn- 
ing. 1  Cor.  \  ii.  5.  That  ye- 
may  give  yourselves  to  fasting 
and  praver. 

w  Deut.  vi  13.  Thou  shalt 
fear  the  Lord  thy  God,  and 
serve  him,  and  shalt  swear  by 
his  name. 

*  Ps.  Ixxvi.  11.  Vow  and  pay 
unto  the  Lord  vour  God.  Is. 
xix.  21.    Ps  cxvi.  14,  18. 

v  Actsxvii.  6.  17.  Now  while 
Paul  waited  for  them  at  Athens, 
his  spirit  was  stirred  within 
him,  when  he  saw  the  city 
wholly  given  to  idolatry.  Ps, 
xvi.  4.     Their  6  all  be 

multiplied  that  hasten  after  ano- 
ther God  :  their  drink-offerings 
of  blond  will  I  not  offer,  nor  take 
up  their  names  into  my  lips* 


224  The  Larger  Catechism. 

ing,  removing  it,  and  all  monuments  of  idolatry  *. 

Q.  109.  What  are  the  sins  forbidden  in  the  se- 
cond commandment  ? 

A.  The  sins  forbidden  in  the  second  command- 
ment are,  all  devising a,  counselling b,  command- 
ing c,  using d,  and  any  wise  approving  any  religi- 
ous worship  not  instituted  by  God  himself6  ;  the 
making  any  representation  of  God,  of  all  or  of 
any  of  the  three  persons,  either  inwardly  in  our 
mind,  or  outwardly  in  any  kind  of  image  or  like- 
ness  of  any  creature  whatsoever  s  :  all  worship  of 

*  Deut.  vii.  5.     Is.  xxx.  22.       that  they  have  forsaken  me,  and 
a  Num.  xv.  39.     And  it  shall   have  worshipped  Ashtoreth.    I 

be  unto  you  for  a  fringe  that  Kings  xii.   33.     So  he  offered 

ye  may  look  upon  it,  and   re-  upon  the   altar  which   he  had 

member  all  the  commandments  made  in  Bethel,  the  fifteenth  day 

of    the    Lord,   and    do    them  :  of  the  eighth  month,  even  the 

And  that  ye  seek  not  after  your  month  which  he  had  devised  of 

own  heart,  and  your  own  eyes,  his  own  heart,  and  ordained  a 

after    which    ye   use    to  go  a  feast  unto  the  children  of  Israe], 

whoring.  and  he   offered  upon  the  altar, 

b  Deut.  xiii.  6,  7,  8.     If  thy  and  burnt  incense, 

brother,   the    son    of  thy    mo-  c  Deut,  xii.  30,  31,  32.  Take 

ther,  or  thy  son,  or  thy  daugh-  heed  to  thyself  that  thou  be  not 

ter,  or  the  wife  of  thy  bosom,  snared  by  following  them,  after 

or  thy  friend,  which  is  as  thine  that  they  be  destroyed   before 

own  soul,  entice  thee  secretly,  thee,  and  that  thou  enquire  not 

saying,    Let  us    go   and    serve  after  their  gods,  saying,   How 

other  Gods,   (which  thou  hast  did  these  nations   serve  their 

not   known,  thou,   nor  thy  fa-  gods?  Even  so   will  1  do  like- 

thers  :) — thou  shalt  not  consent  wise.      What    thing   soever    I 

unto    him,   nor    hearken    unto  command  you,  observe  to  do  it ; 

him  :    neither   shall  thine   eye  thou  shalt  not  add  thereto,  nor 

pity    him,    neither   shalt    thou  diminish  from  it. 

spare,  neither  shalt  thou  con-  s   Deut.  iv.    15,    16,    17,   18, 

ceal  him.  19.     Take    ye    therefore   good 

c  Hos.  v.  11.   Ephraim  is  op-  heed  unto  yourselves,  (for  ye 

pressed  in  judgment,    because  saw  no  manner  of  similitude  on 

he   willingly  walked   after  the  the  dav  that  the   Lord   spake 

commandment.     Micah    vi.  16.  unto  you  in  Horeb,  out  of  the 

For  the  statutes  of  Omri  are  midst  of  the  lire,)  Ifcst  ye  cor- 

kept.  rupt  yourselves,  and  make  you 

•  1  Kings  xi.  33.    Because  a  graven  image,  the  similitude 


The  Larger  Catechism. 


225 


it  h,  or  God  in  it  or  by  it j ;  the  making  of  any  re- 
presentation  of  feigned  deities  k,  and  all  worship 
of  them,  .or  service  belonging  to  them1 ;  all  su- 
perstitious devices m,  corrupting  the  worship  of 
Godn,  adding  to  it,  or  taking  from  it°,  whe- 
ther invented  and  taken  up  of  ourselves H,  or  re- 
ceived by  tradition  from .  others q,   though  under 


of  any  figure.  Acts  xvii.  29. 
Forasmuch  tlien  as  we  are  the 
offspring  of  God,  we  ought  not 
to  think  that  the  Godhead  is 
like  unto  g>ld,  or  silver,  or 
stone,  graven  by  art  and  man's 
device.  Rom.  i.  21,  22,  23.  25. 
But  became  vain  in  their  ima- 
ginations,— and  changed  the 
glory  of  the  uncorruptible  God 
into  an  image  made  like  to 
corruptible  man,  and  to  birds. 
Who*  changed  the  truth  of  God 
into  a  lie,  and  worshipped  and 
served  the  creature  more  than 
the  Creator,  who  is  blessed  for 
ever.     Amen. 

h  Gal.  iv.  8.  Howbeit,  then 
when  ye  knew  not  God,  ye  did 
service  unto  them  who  by  na- 
ture are  no  gods.     Dan.  iii.  18. 

1   Ek    xxxii.    5.     And  when 
Aaron  saw  it,  he  built  an  altar 
before  it,  and  Aaron  made  pro- 
clamation and  said,  To-morrow 
lit  to  the  Lord. 

k  Ex.  xxxii  8  They  have 
made  them  a  m  >lten  calf,  and 
have  worshipped  it,  and  have 
sacrificed  thereunto,  and  said, 
These  be  thy  gods,  ()  1 
which  have  brought  thee  up 
out  of  the  land  of  Egypt 

1  1  Kings  xviii  26.  2a  And 
they  took    the    bullock    which 

given  them,  and  they  d 
ed  it,  and  called  on  the  name 
of    Baal    from    morning    ever-. 


until  noon,  saying,  O  Baal,  hear 
us.     Is.  lxv.  11. 

ra  Acts  xvii.  22.  Then  Paul 
stood  in  the  midst  of  Mars-hill, 
and  said,  Ye  men  of  Athens, 
1  perceive  that  in  all  things,  ye 
are  too  superstitious.  Col.  ii. 
21,  22,  23.  (Touch  not,  taste 
not,  handle  not :  which  all  are 
to  perish  with  the  using)  after 
the  commandments  and  doc- 
trines of  men.  Which  things 
have  indeed  a  shew  of  wisdom 
in  will-worship  and  humility, 
and  neglecting  of  the  body,  not 
in  any  honour  to  the  satisfying 
of  the  flesh. 

■  Mai.  i.  7,  8.  14.  Ye  offer 
polluted  bread  upon  mine  altar. 
But  cursed  be  the  deceiver  who 
hath  in  his  flock  a  male,  and 
voweth  and  sacrificeth  unto  the 
Lord  a  corrupt  thing :  For  I  am 
a  great  King,  saith  the  Lord  of 
Hosts,  and  my  name  is  dreadful 
among  the  heathen. 

0  Deut.  iv.  2.  Ye  shall  not 
add  unto  the  word  which  I 
command  you,  neither  shall  ye 
diminish  ought  from  it,  that 
ye  may  keep  the  command- 
ments of  the  Lord  your  God, 
Which  1  command  \  i 

p   Ps.    cvi.    S9.     Tims  were 
defiled    with    their   own 
>,    and    went    a    whoring 
with  their  own  inventions. 

-      But  in  vain 


226 


The  Larger  Catechism. 


the  title  of  antiquity  r,  custom $,  devotion l,  good 
intent,  or  any  other  pretence  whatsoever  u ;  simo- 
ny w,  sacrilege  x  ;  all  neglect7,  contempt z,  hinder- 
ing", and  opposing  the  worship  and  ordinances 


they  do  worship  me,  teaching 
for  doctrines  the  command- 
ments of  men. 

r  1  Pet.  i.  18.  Forasmuch  as 
ye  know  that  ye  were  not  re- 
deemed with  corruptible  things, 
as  silver  and  gold,  from  your 
vain  conversation  received  by 
tradition  from  your  fathers. 

*  Jer.  xliv.  17.  But  we  will 
certainly  do  whatsoever  thing 
goeth  forth  out  of  our  own 
mouth,  to  burn  incense  unto  the 
queen  of  heaven,  and  to  pour 
out  drink-offerings  unto  her, 
as  we  have  done,  we  and  our 
fathers,  our  kings  and  our  prin- 
ces, in  the  cities  of  Judah,  and 
in  the  streets  of  Jerusalem. 

t  Is.  lxv.  3,  4,  5.  A  people 
that  provoketh  me  to  anger 
continually  to  my  face,  that 
sacrificeth  in  gardens,  and 
burneth  incense  upon  altars  of 
brick ; — Who  eat  swine's  flesh, 
and  broth  of  abominable  things 
is  in  their  vessels:  who  say, 
Stand  by  thyself,  come  not  near 
me,  for  I  am  holier  than  thou. 
These  are  a  smoke  in  my  nose, 
a  fire  that  burneth  all  the  dav. 
Gal.  i.  13,  14.  How  that  be- 
yond measure  I  persecuted  the 
church  of  God,  and  wasted  it: 
and  profited  in  the  Jews  reli- 
gion above  many  my  equals  in 
mine  own  nation,  being  more 
exceedingly  zealous  of  the  tra- 
ditions of  my  fathers. 

°  1  Sam  xiii.  11,  12.  I  forced 
myself  therefore,  and  offered 
a  burnt-offering.     1  Sam.  xv. 


21.  But  the  people  (said  Saul) 
took  of  the  spoil,  sheep  and 
oxen,  the  chief  of  the  things 
which  should  have  been  utterly 
destroyed,  to  sacrifice  unto  the 
Lord  thy  God  in  Gilgal. 

w  Acts  viii.  18,  19  22.  And 
when  Simon  saw  that  through 
laying  on  of  the  apostle's  hands, 
the  Holy  Ghosf  was  given,  he 
offered  them  money 

x  Rom.  ii.  22.  *  Thou  that 
abhorrest  idols,  dost  thou  com- 
mit sacrilege  ?  Mai.  iii.  8.  Will 
a  man  rob  God  ?  yet  ye  have 
robbed  me :  but  ye  say,  Where- 
in have  we  robbed  thee  ?  In 
tythes  and  offerings. 

>  Ex.  iv.  24,  25,  26.  And  it 
came  to  pass  by  the  way  in  the 
inn,  that  the  Lord  met  him, 
and  sought  to  kill  him. 

z  Matt.  xxii.  5.  But  they  made 
light  of  it,  and  went  their 
ways,  one  to  his  farm,  another 
to  his  merchandize.  Mai.  i. 
7.  13.  Ye  offer  polluted  bread 
upon  mine  altar. — Ye  say,  The 
table  of  the  Lord  is  contempti- 
ble— Ye  said  also,  Behold  what 
a  weariness  is  it !  and  ye  have 
snuffed  at  it,  saith  the  Lord  of 
Hosts ;  and  ye  brought  that 
which  was  torn,  and  the  lame, 
and  the  sick 

a  Matt.  xxii.  13.  But  woe  unto 
you  scribes  and  Pharisees,  hy- 
pocrites; for  ye  shut  up  the 
kingdom  of  heaven  against 
men  :  for  ye  neither  go  in  your- 
selves, neither  suffer  ye  them 
that  are  entering  to  go  in. 


The  Larger  Catechism.  227 

which  God  hath  appointed  b. 

Q.   110.   What  are  the  reasons  annexed  to  the 
second  commandment ',  the  more  to  enforce  it  ? 

A.  The  reasons  annexed  to  the  second  com- 
mandment, the  more  to  enforce  it,  contained  in 
these  words,  For  I  the  Lord  thy  God  am  a  jealous 
God,  visiting  the  iniquity  of  the  fathers  upon  the 
children  unto  the  third  ana ! fourth  generation  of  them 
that  hate  me :  and  shewing  mercy  unto  thousands  of 
them  that  love  me  and  keep  my  commandments c ; 
are,  beside  God's  sovereignty  over  us,  and  pro- 
priety in  us J,  his  fervent  zeal  for  his  own  worship  % 
and  his  revengeful  indignation  against  all  false 
worship,  as  being  a  spiritual  whoredom  f ;  account- 
ing the  "breakers  of  this  commandment  such  as 
hate  him,  and  threatening  to  punish  them  unto 
divers  generations  g,  and  esteeming  the  observers 

b  Acts  xiii.  44,  45.   But  when  their   groves.     For    thou  shalt 

the  Jews  saw  tke  multitudes,  worship  no  other  God ;  for  the 

they  were  tilled  with  envy,  and  Lord  whose  name  is  jealous,  is 

spake  against  those  things  which  a  jealous  Gcd. 

were   spoken  by  Paul,  contra-  f  1  Cor    x.  20,  21,  22.    But 

dieting    and    blaspheming.      1  I  say,  that  the  things  which  the 

Thess.  ii.  15,  16.  Gentiles   sacrifice,   they   sacri- 

c  Ex.  xx.  5,  6.  fice  to  devils,  ana  n«  t  to  God: 

4   Ps.    xlv.    11      He    is    thy  a i:d  I  would  not  that  ye  should 

Lord,  and  worship  thou  him.  have    fellowship    with    devils. 

Rev.  xv.  3,  4.     And  they  sing  Ye  cannot  drink  the  cup  <  i"  the 

the  song   of  Moses  the  servant  Lord,   and    the  cup 

of   God,  and  the  song  of  the  ve  cannot  be  partakers   of  the 

ng,  Great  and  mar-  Lord's  table,  and  of  the  table 

rks,   Lord  D<»  we  provoke  the 

;iinighty:  just   and   true  Lord     to                                   we 

are  th                  thou    Kin  than  he  t  Deut. 

saints.  "W I:                   fear  thee,  if),  17,  18,  19.    fcr.  vii.  18,  19, 

()  Lord,  and  glorify  thy  n  Kz.  x\  i 

art  holy.  «  Hos.  ii  J,  .3,  4.    Plead  with 

iv.  13,  14.    But  \e  your  mother,  pk 

shall  destroy  thei  :te,  neither  am  1  her 
their    i                 4nd   cut    d 


228  The  Larger  Catechism. 

of  it  such  as  love  him  and  keep  his  command- 
ments,  and  promising  mercy  to  them  unto  many 
generations  K 

Q.  111.   Which  is  the  third  commandment? 

A.  The  third  commandment  is,  Thou  shalt  not 
take  the  name  of  the  Lord  thy  God  in  vain :  For 
the  Lord  will  not  hold  him  guiltless  that  taketh  his 
name  in  vain  \ 

Q.  112.  JVhat  is  required  in  the  third  com- 
mandment ? 

A.  The  third  commandment  requires,  that  the 
name  of  God,  his  titles,  attributes  k,  ordinances  \ 
the     word  m,    sacraments n,     prayer  °,     oaths  p, 

away  her  whoredoms,— and  her  xxix.  2.  Rev.  xv.  3,  4.  (See 
adulteries  from  between  her  above  in  (I.) 
breasts  :  lest  I  strip  her  naked,  l  Ec.  v.  1.  Keep  thy  foot 
and  set  her  as  in  the  day  that  when  thou  goest  to  the  house 
she  was  born,  and  make  her  as  of  God,  and  be  more  ready  to 
a  wilderness,  and  set  her  like  hear  than  to  give  the  sacrifice 
a  dry  land,  and  slay  her  with  of  fools:  for  they  consider  not 
thirst  And  I  will  not  have  that  they  do  evil.  Mai.  ii.  4. 
mercy  upon  her  children;  for  m  Ps.  cxxxviii.  2  I  will  wor- 
they  be  the  children  of  whore-  ship  towards  thy  holy  temple 
doms.  and  praise   thy  name,  for  thy 

h  Deut.  v.  29.  O  that  there  loving  kindness  and  for  thy 
were  such  an  heart  in  them,  truth;  for  thou  hast  magnified 
that  they  would  fear  me,  and  thy  word  above  all  thy  name, 
keep  all  my  commandments,  n  1  Cor  xi.  from  verse  23, 
always,  that  it  might  be  well  to  30.  But  let  a  man  examine 
with  them,  and  with  their  chil-  himself,  and  so  let  him  eat  of 
dren  for  ever  !  that  bread,  and  drink  of  that 

'  Ex.  xx.  7.  cup.     F<  r  he  "that  eateth   and 

k  Matt.  vi.  9.  After  this  man-  drinketh  unworthily, eateth  and 
ner  therefore  pray  ye; — Our  drinketh  judgment  to  himself, 
Father  who  art  in  heaven,  hal-  not  discerning  the  Lord's  body, 
lowed  be  thy  name  Deut  xxviii.  °  1  Tim.  ii.  8.  I  will  there- 
58.  That  thou  mayest  fear  this  fore  that  men  pray  every  where, 
glerious  and  fearful  name,  The  lifting  up  holy  hands  without 
Lord  thy  God.  Ps.  lxviii.  5.  Ex-  wrath  and  doubling, 
tol  him'  that  rideth  upon  the  p  Jer.  iv.  2.  And  thou  shalt 
heavens  by  his  name,  J  ah.    Ps.   swear,  the  Lord  liveth  in  truth, 


The  Larger  Catechism. 


229 


vows  \  lots r,  his  works',  and  whatsoever  else  there 
is  whereby  he  makes  himself  known,  be  holily  and 
reverently  used  in  thought1,  meditation  °,  wordwf 
and  writing  x  ;  by  an  holy  profession  y,  and  an- 
swerable conversation  z,  to  the  glory  of  God  a,  and 
the  good  of  ourselves  b,  and  others c. 

Q.  113.  What  are  the  sins  forbidden  in  the  third 
commandment  ? 

A.  The  sins  forbidden  in  the  third  command- 


in  judgment  and  in  righteous- 
ness. 

*  Ec.  v.  2.  4.  Be  not  rash 
with  thy  mouth,  and  let  not 
thine  heart  be  hasty  to  utter 
any  thing  before  God  :  for  God 
is  in  heaven,  and  thou  upon 
earth  : — When  thou  vowest  a 
vow  unto  the  Lord,  defer  not 
to  pay. 

r  Acts  i.  24.  26.  And  they 
prayed,  and  said,  Thou  Lord, 
who  knowest  the;  hearts  of  all 
men,  shew  whether  of  these 
two  thou  hast  chosen.  And  they 
gave  forth  their  lots,  and  the 
lot  fell  upon  Matthias. 

»  Job  xxxvi.  24.  Remember 
that  thou  magnify  his  work, 
which  men  behold. 

e  Mai.  iii.  16.  And  a  book  of 
remembrance  was  written  be- 
fore him  for  them  that  feared 
the  Lord,  and  that  thought 
Upon  his  name. 

tj  Pa.  viii  throughout  When 
I  consider  thy  heavens,  the 
work  of  thy  ringers,  the  moon 
and  the  stars  which  thou  hast 
ordained:  What  is  man,  that 
thou  art  mindful  of  him?  O 
Lord  our  Lord,  how  excellent 
is  thv  name  in  all  the  earth  ! 

w  Ps.  cv.  2.  5.    Talk   ye  of 


all  his  wondrous  works.    Col. 
ii.  17. 

*  Ps.  cii.  18.  This  shall  be 
written  for  the  generation  to 
come:  and  the  people  which 
shall  be  created,  shall  praise 
the  Lord. 

y  1  Pet.  iii.  15.  Be  ready 
always  to  give  an  answer  to 
every  man  that  asketh  you  a 
reason  of  the  hope  that  is  in 
you,  with  meekness  and  fear. 
Micah  iv.  5.  We  wili  walk  in 
the  name  of  the  Lord  our  God 
for  ever  and  ever. 

*  Phil.  i.  27.  Only  let  your 
conversation  be  as  it  becometh 
the  gospel  of  Christ       i 

*  1  Cor.  x.  31.  Whether 
therefore  ye  eat  or  drink,  or 
whatsoever  ye  do,  do  all  to  the 
glory  of  God. 

b  Jer.  xxxii.  39.  And  I  will 
give  them  one  heart,  and  one 
way,  that  they  may  fear  me 
for  ever,  for  the  good  of  them. 

c  1  Pet.  ii  12.  Having  your 
:>ation  honest  among  the 
Gentiles:  that  whereas  they 
u  as  evil  doers, 
they  may  by  your  good  works 
which  they'  shall  behold,  glo- 
rify God  in  the  day  of  visita- 
tion. 

& 


230 


The  Larger  Catechism. 


ment  are,  the  not  using  of  God's  nameas  is  re- 
quired41; and  the  abuse  of  it  in  an  ignorant  % 
vain f,  irreverent,  profane g,  superstitious h,  or 
wicked  mentioning  or  otherwise  using  his  titles, 
attributes1,  ordinances k,  or  works1;  by  blasphe- 
my m  ;  perjury ";  all  sinful  cursing  °,  oaths p,  vowsq, 

d  Mai.  ii.  2.  And  if  ye  will 
not  hear,  and  if  ye  will  not 
lay  it  to  heart,  to  give  glory 
unto  my  name,  saith  the  Lord 
of  Hosts,  I  will  even  send  a 
curse  upon  you,  and  I  will  curse 
your  blessings. 

e  Acts  xvii.  23.  Whom  there- 
fore ye  ignorantly  worship. — 

f  Prov.  xxx.  9*  Lest  I  be  full, 
and  deny  thee,  and  say,  Who 
is  the  Lord  ?  Or  lest  I  be  poor, 
and  steal,  and  take  the  name  of 
my  God  in  vain 

g  Mai.  i.  6,  7.  12.  If  then 
I  be  a  father,  where  is  mine 
honour  ?  And  if  I  be  a  master, 
where  is  my  fear?  saith  the 
Lord  of  Hosts  -unto  you,  O 
priests,  that  despise  my  name. 
But  ye  have  profaned  it,  in 
that  ye  say,  The  table  of  the 
Lord  is  polluted,  and  the  fruit 
thereof,  even  his  meat  is  con- 
temptible.    Mai.  iii.  14. 

*>  Jer.  vii.  4.  9,  10.  14.  31. 
Trust  ye  not  in  lying  words, 
saying,  The  temple  of  the  Lord, 
the  temple  of  the  Lord,  the 
temple  of  the  Lord  are  these. 
Col.  ii.  20,  21,  22. 

1  Ex.  v.  2.  And  Pharaoh 
said,  Who  is  the  Lord,  that  I 
should  obey  his  voice,  to  let 
Israel  go  ?  Ps.  cxxxix.  20.  For 
they  speak  against  thee  wicked- 
ly, and  thine  enemies  take  thy 
name  in  vain. 

k  Ps.  1.  16,  17.  But  unto 
the  wicked  God  saith,  What 


hast  thou  to  do  to  declare  my 
statutes  ?  or  that  thou  shouldest 
take  my  covenant  in  thy  mouth? 
seeing  thou  hatest  instruction, 
and  caste st  my  words  behind 
thee. 

1  Is.  v.  12.  And  the  harp 
and  the  viol,  the  tabret  and 
pipe,  and  wine  are  in  their 
feasts :  but  they  regard  not  the 
work  of  the  Lord,  neither  con- 
sider the  operation  of  his  hands. 

m  2  Kings  xix.  22.  Whom 
hast  thou  reproached  and  blas- 
phemed ?  and  against  whom 
hast  thou  exalted  thy  voice,  and 
lifted  up  thine  eyes  on  high  ? 
even  against  the  Holy  One  of 
Israel.    Lev.  xxiv.  11. 

n  Zech.  v.  4.  And  it  shall 
enter  into  the  house  of  a  thief, 
and  into  the  house  of  him  that 
sweareth  safely  by  my  name : 
and  it  shall  remain  in  the  midst 
of  his  house,  and  shall  consume 
it. 

0  Rom.  xii.  14.  Blgss  and 
curse  not.  1  Sam.  xvii.  43.  2 
Sam.  xvi.  5. 

p  Jer.  v.  7.  Thy  children 
have  forsaken  me,  and  sworn 
by  them  that  are  no  gods. 
Jer.  xxiii.  10.  For  because  or 
swearing  the  land  mourneth. 

9  Deut.  xxiii.  18.  Thou  shalt 
not  bring  the  hire  of  a  whore, 
or  the  price  TJf  a  dog  into  the 
house  of  the  Lord  thy  God  for 
any  vow.  Acts  xxiii.  12.  14. 
And  when  it  was  day,  certain 


The  Larger  Catechism.  231 

and  lots r ;  violating  of  our  oaths  and  vows,  if 
lawful8;  and  fulfilling  them,  if  of  things  unlawful1; 
murmuring  and  quarrelling  at  u,  curious  prying 
into  w,  and  misapplying  of  God's  decrees  x  and  pro- 
vidences7 ;  misinterpreting2,  misapplying*,  or  any 
way  perverting  the  word,  or  any  part  of  it b,  to 
profane  jests  c,  curious  and  unprofitable  questions, 
vain  janglings,  or  the  maintaining  of  false  doc- 

of  the  Jews  banded  together,  things   belong   unto  the  Lord, 

and  bound  themselves  with   a  x  Rom.  iii.  5.  7,  8.  But  if  our 

curse,  saying,  that  they  would  unrighteousness   commend  the 

neither  eat  nor  drink  till  they  righteousness   of    God ;    what 

had  killed  Paul.  shall  we  say  ?  Is  God  unrighte- 

r  Esth.iii.  7.  and  ix.  24.  They  ous  who  taketh  vengeance  i — . 

cast  Pur,  that  is,  the  lot,  before  For  if  the  truth  of  God   hath 

Haman,  from  day  to  day, — Be-  more    abounded    through    my 

cause     Haman — had     devised  lie  unto  his  glory,  why  yet  am 

against    the    Jews    to   destroy  I  also  judged  as  a  sinner  > 

them,  and  had  cast  Pur.  y  Ec.  viii.  11.     Because  sen- 

•  Ps.  xxiv.  4.   Who  hath  not  tence    against  an  evil  work  is 

lifted  up  his  soul  unto  vanity,  not  executed   speedily;  there- 

nor  sworn  deceitfully.  Ez.  xvii.  fore  the  heart  of  the  sons  of 

16.   18,  19.     Surely  mine  oath  men  is  fully  set  in  them  to  do 

that  he  hath  despised,  and  my  evil.     Ps.  lxxiii.  12,  13. 

covenant  that  he  hath  broken,  x  Matt.  v.  21.  to  the  end. 

even  it  will  I  recompense  upon  *  Ez.  xiii.  22.     Because  wit 

his  own  head.  lies  ye  have  made  the  heart 

c  Mark  vi.  26.  And  the  the  righteous  sad,  whom  I 
king  was  exceeding  sorry,  yet  have  not  made  sad,  and 
for  his  oath's  sake,  and  for  strengthened  the  hands  of  the 
their  sakes  who  sat  with  him,  wicked,  that  he  should  not  re- 
he  would  not  reject  her.  1  Sam.  turn  from  his  wicked  way,  by 
xxv.  22.  32,  33,  34.  promising  him  life. 

°   Rom.    ix.    14.   19,    20.     Is  b  2  Pet.  iii.  16.  In  which  arc 

there  unrighteousness  with  God?  some   things  hard  to  be  under- 

God  forbid.     Why  doth  he  yet  stood,  which  they  that  are  un- 

find  fault  P  For  who  hath  resist-  learned  and  unstable  wrest,  as 

ed  his  will;*  Nay,  but,  ()  man,  they  do  also  the  other  scrip- 

who     art    thou    that    repliest  tures   unto   their  own  destnic- 

against   God  ?    Shall   the  thing  tion.     Matt    xx'.i.    34,    to    the 

formed  say  unto  him  that  form-  31^                   Ye    do   err,    not 

ed  it,  Why  hast  thou  made  me  knowing  the  scriptures,  nor  the 

thus?  (iod. 

w  Deut.xxix.  29.  The  secret  «  Jer.  xliii.  34.  36\  38. 


232 


The  Larger  Catechism. 


trinesd;  abusing  it,  the  creatures,  or  any  thing 
contained  under  the  name  of  God,  to  charms  % 
or  .sinful  lusts  and  practices f;  the  maligning*, 
scorning11,  reviling  \  or  any  ways  opposing  of 
God's  truth,  grace,  and  waysk  ;  making  profession 
of  religion  in  hypocrisy,  or  for  sinister  ends  ( ;  be- 
ing ashamed  of  it m,  or  a  shame  to  it,  by  imcom- 

d  1  Tim.  vi.  4,  5.  20.  He 
is  proud,  knowing  nothing,  but 
doting  about  questions  and 
strifes  of  words,  whereof  Com- 
eth envy,  strife,  railings,  evil 
surmisings,  perverse  disputings 
of  men  of  corrupt  minds,  and 
destitute  of  the  truth. — Avoid- 
ing profane  and  vain  babblings, 
and  oppositions  of  science,  false- 
ly so  called.  2  Tim.  ii.  14. 
Charging  them  before  the  Lord, 
that  they  strive  not  about  words, 
to  no  profit,  but  to  the  subvert- 
ing of  the  hearers.    Tit.  iii.  9. 

e  Deut  xviii.  10,  11,  12,  13, 
14.  There  shall  not  be  found 
among  you  any  one  that  mak- 
eth  his  son  or  daughter  to  pass 
through  the  fire,  or  that  useth 
divination,  or  an  observer  of 
times,  or  an  enchanter,  or  a 
witch,  or  a  charmer,  or  a  con- 
suiter  with  familiar  spirits,  or 
a  wizard,  or  a  necromancer. 
Acts  ix.  13. 

f  2  Tim.  vi  3,  4.  For  the 
time  will  come  when  they  will 
not  endure  sound  doctrine ;  but 
after  their  own  lusts  shall  they 
heap  to  themselves  teachers, 
having  itching  ears.  And  they 
shall  turn  away  their  ears  from 
the  truth,  and  shall  be  turned 
unto  fables.  Jude  4  Rom.  xiii. 
13.  15.     1  Kings  xxi.  9,  10. 

e  Acts  xiii.  45.  But  when  the 
Jews  saw  the  multitudes,  they 


were  filled  with  envy,  and 
spake  againstthose  things  which 
were  spoken  by  Paul,  contra- 
dicting and  blaspheming.  1 
John  iii.  12. 

h  2  Pet.  iii.  3.  Knowing  this 
first,  that  there  shall  come  in 
the  last  days  scoffers,  walking 
after  their  own  lusts.  Ps.  i.  1. 
Nor  sitteth  in  the  seat  of  the 
scornful. 

*  1  Pet.  iv.  4.  Wherein  they 
think  it  strange,  that  you  run 
not  with  them  to  the  same  ex- 
cess of  riot,  speaking  evil  of 
you. 

k  Acts  xiii.  45,  46.  50.  See 
in  letter  h.  But  the  Jews  stirred 
up  the  devout  and  honourable 
women,  and  the  chief  men  of 
the  city,  and  raised  persecution 
against  Paul  and  Barnabas,  and 
expelled  them  out  of  their  coasts. 
Acts  iv.  18.  And  commanded 
them  not  to  speak  at  all,  nor 
teach  in  the  name  of  Jesus. 
Acts  xix.  9.  1  Thess.  ii.  16. 
Heb.  x.  29. 

1  2  Tim.  iii.  5.  Having  a 
form  of  godliness,  but  denying 
the  power  thereof.  Matt,  xxiii. 
14.  Woe  unto  you  scribes  and 
Pharisees,  hypocrites;  for  ye 
devour  widows'  houses,  and  for 
a  pretence  make  long  prayers. 
Matt.  vi.  1,  2,  3.  5.  16. 

in  Mark  viii.  38.  Whosoever, 
therefore,  shall  be  ashamed  of 


The  Larger  Catechism.  235 

fortable n,  unwise  °,  unfruitful  p  and  offensive  walk- 
ing  q  or  backsliding  from  it r. 

-    Q.  114.  What  reasons  are  annexed  to  the  third 
commandment  ? 

A.  The  reasons  annexed  to  the  third  command- 
ment,  in  these  words,  (the  Lord  thy  God,)  and 
(for  the  Lord  will  not  hold  him  guiltless  that  taketh 
his  name  in  vain  s)  are,  because  he  is  the  Lord 
and  our  God,  therefore  his  name  is  not  to  be  pro- 
faned, or  any  way  abused  by  us  ■ ;  especially  be- 
cause  he  will  be  so  far  from  acquitting  and 
sparing  the  transgressors  of  this  commandment, 
as  that  he  will  not  suffer  them  to  escape  his  righ- 
teous judgment  u,  albeit  many  such  escape  the 

me,  and   of  my  words,  in  this  honourest  thou  God  ?  For  the 

adulterous  and   sinful    genera-  name    of   G^  d    is   blasphemed 

tinn,  of  him  also  shall  the  Son  among  the  Gentiles,   through 

of  man  be  ashamed,  when  he  you. 

cometh  in  the  glory  of  his  Fa-  r  Gal.  iii.  1.  3.  O  foolish  Ga- 
ther, with  the  holy  angels.  lations,    who    hath    bewitched 

n  Ps.  lxxiii  14,  15.  For  all  ycu,  that  ye  should  not  obey 
the  day  long  have  I  been  the  truth,  before  whose  eves 
plagued  and  chastened  every  Jesus  Christ  hath  been  evident- 
morning,  ly   set   forth,  crucified   among 

°   Eph.    v.   15,    16,    17.     See  you?  Are  ye  so  foolish  ?  Hav- 

then  that  ye  walk  circumspect-  ing  begun  in  the  Spirit,  are  ye 

ly,  not  as  fools,  but  as  wise. —  now  made  perfect  by  the  flesh? 

Wherefore    be    ye  not   unwise,  Hcb.  vi.  6. 

but    understanding    what     the  *  Ex.  xx.  7. 

will  of  the  Lord  is.     1  Cur    v.  c  Lev.  six.  12.    And  ye  shall 

5,  6.  not  swear  by  my  nai 

v.  4.    What  could  have  neither  shall  thou  profane  the 

been    done  more    to    my    vine-  name  of   thy   God.     1    am   the 

yard,  that  I  have  not  done  in  itf  Lord- 

Wherefore  when  I  looked  that  ■  Deut.  xx\  iii.  58,59.  If  thou 

it    should   bring;    forth    crapes,  wilt  not  observe  to  do  all 

brought  it   forth  wild  grapes  ?  words    of    this    law    that    are 

2  Pet    i.  8,  9.  written  Hi  this  book,  that  thou 

fl  Rom.  ii.  23,  24.    Thou  that  mayest  fear  this   glorious   and 

makest   thy  boast  of  the  law,  fearful    name,    The    L<  rd   thy 

through  breaking  the  law  dis-  God  ;  then  the  Lord  will  make 

o  a 


234  The  Larger  Catechism, 

censures  and  punishments  of  men  w. 

Q.  115.  Which  is  the  fourth  commandment* 
A.  The  fourth  commandment  is,  Remember 
the  sabbath-day  to  keep  it  holy.  Six  days  shalt  thou 
labour,  and  do  all  thy  work :  Bat  the  seventh  day  is 
the  sabbath  of  the  Lord  thy  God:  In  it  thou  shalt 
not  do  any  work,  thou,  nor  thy  son,  nor  thy  daugh- 
ter, thy  man  servant,  nor  thy  maid  servant,  nor  thy 
cattle,  nor  thy  stranger  that  is  within  thy  gates.  For 
in  six  days  the  Lord  made  heaven  and  earth,  the 
sea,  and  all  that  in  t '  em  is,  and  rested  the  seventh 
day  :  Wherefore  the  Lord  blessed  the  sabbath-day 
and  hallowed  it*. 

Q.  116.  Wliat  is  reqidred  in  the  fourth  com- 
mandment ? 

A.  The  fourth  commandment  requireth  of  all 
men  the  sanctifying  or  keeping  holy  to  God  such 
set  times  as  he  hath  appointed  in  his  word,  ex- 
pressly one  whole  day  in  seven ;  which  was  the 
seventh  from  the  beginning  of  the  world  to  the 
resurrection  of  Christ,  and  the  first  day  of  the 
week  ever  since,  and  so  to  continue  to  the  end  of 
the  world  ;  which  is  the  Christian  sabbath  >,  and 

thy    plagues    wonderful,    and  day  of  the  week  let  every  one 

the  plagues   of  thy  seed,  even  of  you  lay  by  him  in  store,   as 

great  plagues,  and  of  long  con-  God  hath  prospered  him.   Acts 

tinuance.     Zech.    v.    2,    3,    4.  xx.  7.  And  upon  the  first  day  of 

Ez.  xxxvi.  21,  22,  23.  the  week,  when  the  disciples 

w  1  Sam.   h.   12.    17.   22.     1  came  together  to  break  bread, 

Sam.  iii.  13.  Paul  preached  to  them,  ready 

*  Ex.  xx.  8,  9,  10,  11.  to  depart  on  the  morrow.  John 

y    Gen.    ii.     3.       And    God  xx   19,  to  27.     Matt.  v.  17,  18. 

blessed   the  seventh   day,   and  Is.  lvi.   2.  4.   6,   7.    Blessed  is 

sanctified  it :  because  that  in  it  the  man  that  doeth  this, — that 

lie  had  rested  from  all  his  work,  keepeth  the  sabbath  from  pol- 

3  Cor.  xvl  1,  2,  Upon  the  first  luting  it. 


The  Larger  Catechism.  235 

in  the  New  Testament  called  The  Lord's  day z. 

Q.  117.  How  is  the  sabbath  or  Lords  day  to  be 
sanctified  ? 

A.  The  sabbath,  or  Lord's  day,  is  to  be  sancti- 
fied by  an  holy  resting  all  that  day a,  not  only  from 
such  works  as  are  at  all  times  sinful,  but  even 
from  such  worldly  employments  and  recreations 
as  are  on  other  days  lawful b;  and  making  it  our 
delight  to  spend  the  whole  time  (except  so  much 
of  it  as  is  to  be  taken  up  in  works  of  necessity  and 
mercy c)  in  the  public  and  private  exercises  of 
God's  worship d.     And,  to  that  end,  we  are  to 


*  Rev.  i.  10.  I  was  in  the 
Spirit  on  the  Lord's  day. 

*  Ex.  xx.  8.  10  Remember 
the  sabbath-day  to  keep  it  holy. 
— In  it  thou  shalt  not  do  any 
work,  thou,  nor  thy  son,  &C. 

b  Ex.  xvi.  25,  to  29.  And 
Moses  said,  Eat  that  to-day ; 
for  to-day  is  a  sabbath  unto  the 
Lord:  to-day  ye  shall  not  find 
it  in  the  field.  Six  days  ye  shall 
gather  it ;  but  on  the  seventh 
clay  which  is  the  sabbath,  in  it 
there  shall  be  none.  Jer.  x\  ii. 
21,  22.  Thus  saith  the  Lord, 
Take  betel  to  yourselves,  and 
bear  no  burden  on  the  sabbath- 
day,  nor  bring  it  in  by  the  gates 
of'  Jerusalem.  Neither  carry 
forth  a  burden  out  of  your 
houses  on  the  sabbath-day,  nei- 
ther do  ye  any  work,  but  hallow 
ye  the  sabbath-clay  as  1  com- 
manded your  fathers.  Neh.  xiii. 
15,  to  the  23  verse.  In  those 
days  I  saw  iding  wine- 

E&ses  on  the  sabbath,  and 
ringing  in  sheaves,  and  lading 
asses;  as  also  wine,  grapes,  and 
figs,  and  all  manner  of  burdens. 


Then  I  contended  with  the  no- 
bles of  Judah,  and  said  unto 
them,  What  evil  thing  is  this 
that  ye  do,  and  profane  the 
sabbath-dav  ? 

c  Matt.  'xii.  1,  to  the  14th 
verse.  At  that  time  Jesus  went 
on  the  sabbath -day  through 
the  corn,  urd  his  disciples  were 
an  hungred,  and  began  to  pluck 
the  ears  of  corn,  and  to  eat. 
But  when  the  Pharisees  saw  it 
they  said  unto  him,  Behold  thy 
disciples  do  that  which  is  not 
lawful  to  do  upon  the  sabbath- 
day.  But  he  said  unto  them, 
&c. 

*  Lev.  xxiii.  3.  Six  days  shall 
work  be  done,  but  the  seventh 
day  is  the  sabbath  of  rest,  an 
holy  convocation.  Is.  lviii.  13. 
And  call  the  sabbath  a  delight, 
the  holy  of  the  Lord,  honoura- 
ble, and  shalt  honour  him,  not 
doing  thine  own  ways,  nor 
finding  thine  own  pleasure,  nor 
speaking  thine  own  words. 
Luke  iv.  16.  And,  as  his  cus- 
tom was,  he  went  into  th< 
nagogue   on    the    sabbath 


236  The  Larger  Catechism. 

prepare  our  hearts,  and  with  such  foresight,  dili- 
gence and  moderation,  to  dispose,  and  seasonably 
to  dispatch  our  worldly  business,  that  we  may  be 
the  more  free  and  fit  for  the  duties  of  that  day e. 

Q.  118.  Why  is  the  charge  of  keeping  the  sab- 
bath more  specially  directed  to  governors  of  families 
and  other  superiors  ? 

A.  The  charge  of  keeping  the  sabbath  is  more 
specially  directed  to  governors  of  families  and 
other  superiors,  because  they  are  bound  not  only 
to  keep  it  themselves,  but  to  see  that  it  be  ob- 
served by  all  those  that  are  under  their  charge ; 
and  because  they  are  prone  oft-times  to  hinder 
them  by  employments  of  their  ownf. 

Q.  119.  What  are  the  sins  forbidden  in  the 
fourth  commandment  ? 

A.  The  sins  forbidden  in  the  fourth  command- 
ment are,  all  omissions  of  the  duties  required  *, 
all  careless,  negligent,  and  unprofitable  perform- 
ing of  them,  and  being  weary  of  them  h ;  all  pro- 

and  stood  up  for  to  read.    Acts  That   thine  ox   and  thine  ass 

xx.  7.  may  rest,  and  the  son  of  thine 

e  Ex  xx.  8.    Remember  the  hand-maid,    and   the    stranger 

sabbath-day,  to  keep   it    holy,  may  be  refreshed.   Ex.  xvi.  22. 

Luke  xxiii.  54,  56.     And  that  25.' 29. 

day  was  the  preparation,  and       *  Ez.  xxii.  26.     Her  priests 

the    sabbath    drew   on.      Neh.  have  violated  my  law,  and  have 

xiii.  19.     And  it  came  to  pass,  profaned   mine   holy  things; — 

that  when  the  gates  of  Jerusa,-  and  have  hid  their  eyes  from 

lem  began   to  be   dark   before  my   sabbaths,    and  I  am  pro- 

the  sabbath,  I  commanded  that  faned  among  them, 
the   gates  should  be  shut,  and       h  Ezy  xxxiii.  30,  31,  32.  And 

charged  that  they  should   not  they  come  unto  thee  as  the  peo- 

be  opened  till  after'the  sabbath,  pie  cometh,  and  they  sit  before 

f  See  above   in   b.    Ex.   xx  thee   as  my  people,  and  hear 

10.     In   it    (the  sabbath)  thou  thy    words,   but  they  will  not 

shalt  not   do  any   work,  thou,  do  them  :  for  with  their  mouth 

nor  thy  son,  Sec.   Ex,  xxiii.  12.  they  shew  much  love,  but  their 


The  Larger  Catechism.  237 

faning  the  day  by  idleness,  and  doing  that  which 
is  in  itself  sinful k :  and  by  all  needless  works, 
words,  and  thoughts,  about  our  worldly  employ- 
ments and  recreations  k. 

Q.  12(X  What  ate  the  reasons  annexed  to  the 
fourth  commandment,  the  more  to  enforce  it  ? 

A.  The  reasons  annexed  to  the  fourth  com- 
mandment, the  more  to  enforce  it,  are  taken 
from  the  equity  of  it,  God  allowing  us  six  days 
of  seven  for  our  own  affairs,  and  reserving  but 
one  for  himself,  in  these  words,  six  days  shalt 
thou  labour  and  do  all  thy  work  l :  from  God's 
challenging  a  special  propriety  in  that  day,  the 
seventh  is  the  sabbath  of  the  Lord  thy  Godm  :  from 
the  example  of  God,  who  in  six  days  made  hea- 
ven and  earthy  the  sea,  and  all  that  in  them  is,  and 
rested  the  seventh  day :  and  from  that  blessing 
which  God  put  upon  that  day,  not  only  in  sanc- 
tifying it  to  be  a  day  for  his  service,  but  in  or- 
daining it  to  be  a  means  of  blessing  to  us  in  our 
sanctifying  it;  wherefore  the  Lord  blessed  the  sab- 
bath  day%  and  hallowed  it n. 

Q.  121.  Why  is  the  word  remember  set  in  the 
beginning  of  the  fourth  commandment  ? 

heart  goeth  after  their  covet-  have    profaned    my    sabbaths, 

ousness.     Mai    i.    13.     Ye  said  k   Jer.    xvii.    24.    27-     But   if 

also,  Behold  what  a  weariness  ye  will  not  hearken  unto  me, 

is  it  ?  and  ye  have  snuffed  at  it.  to  hallow  the  sabbath-day,  and 

saith  the  Lord   of  Host*;  and  not    to   L>ear   a   burden :— then 

ye  brought  that  which  was  torn,  will  I  kindle  a  fire  in  the  gates 

and    the    lame,   and   the   sick,  thereof,  and  it  shall  devour  the 

Amofl  \iii.  5.     Acts  xx.  7  9.  palaces  of  Jerusalem,  and  shall 

•    Kz.    xxiii.    39.     Moreover,  not  he  quenched.     Is.  lviii.  13 

this  they  have   done  unto  me;  •  K\    >: 

they   have    defiled    my    sane-  ■                 .10. 

tuary    in   the    same   day,   and  »  Ex,  xx.  i: 


238  The  Larger  Catechism. 

A.  The  word  remember  is  set  in  the  beginning 
of  the  fourth  commandment  °,  partly  because  of 
the  great  benefit  of  remembering  it,  we  being 
thereby  helped  in  our  preparation  to  keep  it p; 
and,  in  keeping  it,  better  to  keep  all  the  rest  of 
the  commandments*,  and  to  continue  a  thank- 
ful remembrance  of  the  two  great  benefits  of 
creation  and  redemption,  which  contain  a  short 
abridgment  of  religion  r :  and  partly  because  we 
are  ready  to  forget  it  %  for  that  there  is  less  light 
of  nature  for  it  ',  and  yet  it  restraineth  our  natu- 
ral liberty  in  things  at  other  times  lawful12;  that 
it  cometh  but  once  in  seven  days,  and  many 
worldly  businesses  come  between,  and  too  often 

0  Ex.  xx.  8.  all  his  work  which  he  had  made* 

P  Ex.  xvi.  23.  To-morrow  And  God  blessed  the  seventh 
is  the  rest  of  the  holy  sabbath  day  and  sanctified  it :  because 
unto  the  Lord :  bake  that  which  that  in  it  he  had  rested  from  all 
ye  will  bake  to-day,  and  seethe  his  work,  which  God  created 
that  ye  will  seethe.  Luke  xxiii.  and  made.  Ps.  cxviii.  22.  24, 
54.  56.  And  that  day  was  the  The  stone  which  the  builders 
preparation,  and  the  sabbath  refused  is  become  the  head  stone 
drew  on.  Compared  with  Mark  of  the  comer.  This  is  the  day 
xv.  42.  And  now  when  the  which  the  Lord  hath  made, 
even  was  come,  because  it  was  we  will  rejoice  and  be  glad  in 
the  preparation,  that  is,  the  day  it.  Rev.  i.  10.  I  was  in  the  Spirit 
before  the  sabbath.  Neh.  xiii.  on  the  Lord's  day.  Heb.  iv.  9. 
19.  ■  Ez.  xxii.  26.     Her  priests 

*  Ez.  xx.  18,  19,  20.  More-  have  violated  my  law: — and 
over, — I  gave  them  my  sab-  have  hid  their  eyes  from  my 
baths  to  be  a  sign  between  me  sabbaths. 
and  them,  that  they  might  \  Neh.  ix.  14.  And  madest 
know  that  I  am  the  Lord  that  known  unto  them  thy  holy 
sanctify  them.  And  hallow  sabbath,  and  com mandedst  them 
my  sabbaths :  and  they  shall  precepts,  statutes,  and  laws, 
be  a  sign  between  me  and  you,  by  the  hands  of  Moses  thy  ser- 
that  ye  may  know  that  I  am  vant. 
the  Lord  your  God.  u  Ex.    xxxiv.    21.     Six  days 

r  Gen.  ii.  2,  3.  And  on  the  thou  shalt  work,  but  on  the  se- 
seventh  day  God  ended  his  work  venth  day  thou  shalt  rest:  in 
which  he  had  made :  and  he  earing-time,  and  in  harvest 
rested  on  the  seventh  day  from  thou  shalt  rest. 


The  Larger  Catechism.  239 

take  off  our  minds  from  thinking  of  it,  either  to 
prepare  for  it,  or  to  sanctify  it w ;  and  that  Satan 
with  his  instruments  much  labour  to  blot  out  the 
glory,  and  even  the  memory  of  it,  to  bring  in  all 
irreligion  and  impiety  x. 

Q.  122.  What  is  the  sum  of  the  six  command- 
ments which  contain  our  duty  to  man  ? 

A.  The  sum  of  the  six  commandments  which 
contain  our  duty  to  man,  is,  to  love  our  neighbour 
as  ourselves  y,  and  to  do  to  others  what  we  would 
have  them  do  to  us  z. 

Q.  123.  Which  is  the  fifth  commandment? 

A.  The  fifth  commandment  is,  Honour  thy  fa- 
ther and  thy  mother,  that  thy  days  may  be  long  upon 
the  land  which  the  Lord  thy  God giveth  thee*. 

Q.  124.  Who  are  meant  by  father  and  mother, 
in  the  fifth  commandment  ? 

A.  By  father  and  mother^  in  the  fifth  com- 
mandment, are  meant  not  only  natural  parents  b, 

w  Ex.  xx.  9.    Six  days  shalt  »  Matt.  xxii.  39.  And  the  se- 

thou  labour.  Amos  viii  5.  When  cond  is  like  unto  it,  Thou  shalt 

will  the  new  moon  be  gone —  love    thy     neighbour    as    thy- 

and  the  sabbath,  that  we  may  self, 

set  forth  wheat  r  .  Matt  vii   19-    Therefore  all 

™  £"V-  7'  Je™sale™  re"  things  whatsoever  ye  would 
rnembered  in  the  days  of  her  thatbmen  should  do  to  vou,  do 
affliction    and  of  her  miseries,  s0         ,  (      this 

all  her  pleasant  things  tat  she    [,  lhe  law  and  the  prophets. 
had  in  the  days  of  old,   when  *     r 

her  people  fell  into  the  hand  of       *  »  xx-  12- 
the  enemy,  and  none  did  help       b  Prov.  xxiii.  22. 25,  Hearken 
her,  the  a  saw   her,   unto  thy  father  that  l>egat  thee, 

and  did  inock  at  her  sabbaths,    and  despise    not    thy    mother 
\iii.   from    verse   15,    to    when   she   is  old.     Thy  father 
23      In   tl,  saw    1    in    and  thy  mother  shall  be  glad  : 

Judah     some    treading     wine-   and  she  that  bare  thee  shall  re- 
presses   on    the   sabbath.    Jer.  joice.    Eph.  vi.  1, 
?,  2  j. 


240 


The  Larger  Catechism. 


but  all  superiors  in  age c  and  gifts  d  ;  and  especially 
such  as  by  God's  ordinance  are  over  us  in  place 
of  authority,  whether  in  family  %  church f,  or 
commonwealth  g. 

Q.  125.  Why  are  superiors  styled  father  and 
mother? 

A.  Superiors  are  styled  father  and  mother^  both 
to  teach  them  in  all  duties  towards  their  inferiors, 
like  natural  parents,  to  express  love  and  tender- 
ness to  them,  according  to  their  several  relations  h ; 
and  to  work  inferiors  to  a  greater  willingness  and 
cheerfulness  in  performing  their  duties  to  their 
superiors,  as  to  their  parents L. 


c  1  Tim.  v.  1,  2.  Rebuke  not 
an  elder,  but  intreat  him  as  a 
father,  and  the  younger  men 
as  brethren ;  the  elder  women 
as  mothers,  the  younger  as 
sisters* 

d  Gen.  iv.  20, 21.  And  Adah 
bare  Jabal :  He  was  the  father 
of  such  as  dwell  in  tents,  and 
of  such  as  have  cattle.  And 
his  brother's  name  was  Jubal : 
he  was  the  father  of  all  such  as 
handle  the  harp  and  organ. 
Gen.  xlv.  8.  And  he  hath  made 
me  a  father  to  Pharaoh 

e  2  Kings  v.  13  And  his 
servant  came  near,  and  spake 
unto  him,  and  said,  My  father, 
if  the  prophet  had  bid  thee  do 
some  great  thing,  wouldst  thou 
not  have  done  it  ? 

f  Gal.  iv.  19.  My  little  chil- 
dren, of  whom- 1  travail  in  birth 
again  until  Christ  be  formed  in 
you.  2  Kings  ii.  12.  And  Elisha 
saw  it,  and  he  cried,  My  father, 
my  father !  the  chariot  of  Isra- 
el, and  the  horsemen  thereof.  2 
Kings  xiii.  14. 


e  Is.  xlix.  23.  And  kings 
shall  be  thy  nursing  fathers, 
and  their  queens  thy  nursing 
mothers. — 

h  Eph.  vi.  4.  And  ye  fathers 
provoke  not  your  children  to 
wrath :  but  bring  them  up  in 
the  nurture  and  admonition  of 
the  Lord.  1  Thess.  ii.  7,  8. 
11.  But  we  were  gentle  among 
you,  even  as  a  nurse  cherisheth 
her  children.  So  being  affec- 
tionately desirous  of  you,  we 
were  willing  to  have  imparted 
unto  you,  not  the  gospel  of  God 
only,  but  also  our  own  souls, 
because  ye  were  dear  unto  us. 
As  ye  know  how  we  exhorted 
and  comforted,  and  charged 
every  one  of  you,  as  a  father 
doth  his  children.  Num.  xi. 
11,  12.  16. 

1  1  Cor.  v.  14,  15,  16.  I 
write  not  these  things  to  shame 
you,  but  as  my  beloved  sons  I 
warn  you:  for  though  ye  have 
ten  thousand  instructors  in 
Christ,  yet  have  ye  not  many 
fathers :   for  in  Christ  Jesus  I  f 


The  Larger  Catechism.  241 

Q.  126.  What  is  the  general  scope  of the  fifth 
'commandment? 

A.  The  general  scope  of  the  fifth  command- 
ment is  the  performance  of  those  duties  which 
we  mutually  owe  in  our  several  relations,  as  in- 
feriors, superiors,  or  equals  k. 

Q.  127.  What  is  the  honour  that  inferiors  oxve 
to  superiors  ? 

A.  The  honour  which  inferiors  owe  to  their 
superiors  is,  all  due  reverence  in  heart ',  word  m, 
and  behaviour n ;  prayer  and  thanksgiving  for 
them0;  imitation  of  their  virtues  and  graces p; 
frilling  obedience  to  their  lawful  commands 
and  counsels q ;   due  submission  to  their  correc- 

have  begotten  you  through  the  n  Lev.    xix.  32.  Thou    shalt 

gospel.     Wherefore  I  beseech  rise  up  before  the  hoary-head, 

you  be  ye  followers  of  me.  and  honour  the  face  of  the  old 

k  Eph.  v.  21.  Submitting  man.  1  Kings  ii.  19.  And  she 
yourselves  one  to  another  in  sat  on  his  right  hand, 
the  fear  of  God.  1  Pet.  ii.  17.  °  1.  Tim.  ii.  1.  2.  I  exhort 
Honour  all  men.  Love  the  therefore  that  first  of  all,  sup- 
brotherhood.  Fear  God.  Ho-  plications,  prayers,  interces- 
nour  the  king.  Rom.  xii.  10.  sions,  and  giving  of  thanks  be 
Be  kindly  affectioned  one  to  made  for  all  men  :  For  kings, 
another,  with  brotherly  love,  and  for  all  that  ?.re  in  authori- 
al honour  preferring  one   ano-  ty. — 

ther.  p   Heb.   xiii.   7.     Remember 

la!  i.  6.    A  son  honoureth  them  who  have  the  rule    over 

his    father,   and   a  servant  his  you,  who  have  spoken  unto  you 

master.     If* then  1  be  a  father,  the  word  of  God:  whose  I 

where  is  mine  honour  }  and  if  follow,    considering    the  end  of 

I  be  a  master,  where  is  my  fear  }  their  conversation.    Phil.  hi.  17. 

Ye  shall  fear  every  Brethren,  be  followers  together 

man    his    mother   and   his  fa-  of    me,    and   mark    them  who 

ther.  walk  so,  as  ye  have  us  for  an 

,n  Prov.  xxxi.  28.    Her  chil-  ensample. 
dren    arise   up,    and    call    her  *  Eph.  vi    I,  2,  5,  6,  7.  Chil- 
.    1:  her  husband  also,  and  dren  obey  your   parents  in  the 
he  praiseth  her.     l  Pet.  iii.  6.  Lord: — Servants  be  il>edientto 
-  n -ih   obeyed   Abra-  them    that  art- 
calling  him  lord. —  o  lksh.     1  Pet, 


242 


The  Larger  Catechism. 


tions  r ;  fidelity  to  %  defence  *  and  maintainance  of 
their  persons  and  authority,  according  to  their  se- 
veral ranks,  and  the  nature  of  their  places  u;  bear- 
ing with  their  infirmities,  and  covering  them  in 
love w,  that  so  they  may  be  an  honour  to  them 
and  to  their  government  x. 

Q.   128.   What  are  the  sins  of  inferiors  against 
their  superiors. 


ii.  13,  14.  Submit  yourselves  to 
every  ordinance  of  man  for  the 
Lord's  sake :  whether  it  be  to 
the  king,  as  supreme ;  or  unto 
governors.  Rom.  xiii.  from  1  to 
h.  Heb.  xiii.  17.  Prov.  iv.  3,  4. 
and  xxiii.  22. 

r  Heb.  xii.  9.  Furthermore, 
we  have  had  fathers  of  our 
flesh,  who  corrected  us,  and  we 
gave  them  reverence.  1  Pet.  ii. 
18,  19,  20.  Servants  be  subject 
to  your  masters,  with  all  fear, — 
but  if  when  ye  do  well,  and  suf- 
fer for  it,  ye  take  it  patiently, 
this  is  acceptable  with  God. 

s  Tit.  ii.  9,  10.  Exhort  ser- 
vants to  be  obedient  unto  their 
own  masters,  and  to  please 
them  well  in  all  things,  not  an- 
swering again.  Not  purloining, 
but  shewing  all  good  fidelity; 
that  they  many  adorn  the  doc- 
trine of  God  our  Saviour  in  all 
things. 

c  1  Sam.  xxvi.  15, 16.  Where- 
fore then  hast  thou  not  kept 
thy  lord  the  king  ?  As  the  Lord 
liveth,  ye  are  worthy  to  die,  be- 
cause ye  have  not  kept  your 
master,  the  Lord's  anointed. 
2  Sam.  xv hi.  3.  Esth.  vi.  2. 

u  Matt.  xxii.  21.  Render  unto 
Cxsar  the  things  which  are 
Cxsar's.  Rom.  xiii.  6.  7.  For 
this  cause  pay  ye  tribute  also  : 


for  they  are  God's  ministers 
attending  continually  upon  this 
very  thing.  Render  therefore 
to  all  their  dues :  tribute  to 
whom  tribute  is  due,  custom  to 
whom  custom,  fear  to  whom 
fear,  honou*  to  whom  honour. 
1  Tim.  v.  17, 18.  Let  the  elders 
that  rule  well  be  counted  wor- 
thy of  double  honour,  especially 
they  who  labour  in  the  word 
and  doctrine — Thou  shalt  not 
muzzle  the  ox  that  treadetii  out 
the  corn :  and  the  labourer  is 
worthy  of  his  reward.  Gal.  vi. 
6.  Gen.   xlv.  11.    and  xlvii.  12. 

vv  Gen.  ix.  23.  And  Shem 
and  Japheth  took  a  garment  and 
laid  it  upcn  both  their  shoul- 
ders, and  went  backward,  and 
covered  the  nakedness  of  their 
father ;  and  their  faces  were 
backward,  and  they  saw  not 
their  father's  nakedness.  1  Pet. 
ii.  18.  Prov.  xxiii.  22. 

x  Ps.  cxxvii.  3,  4,  5.  Lo  chil- 
dren are  an  heritage  of  the 
Lord.  Happy  is  the  man  that 
hath  his  quiver  full  cf  them  : 
they  shall  not  be  ashamed,  but 
they  shall  speak  with  the  ene- 
mies in  the  gate.  Prov.  xxxi. 
23.  Her  husband  is  known  in 
the  gates,  when  he  sitteth 
among  the  elders  of  the  land.   J 


The  Larger  Catechism.  243 

A.  The  sins  of  inferiors  against  their  superiors 
are,  all  neglect  of  the  duties  required  toward  them  J ; 
envying  at2,  contempt  ota,  and  rebellion b 
against  their  persons0  and  places d,  in  their 
lawful  counsels  %  commands  and  corrections  f  ; 
cursing,  mocking g,  and  all  such  refractory  and 
scandalous  carriage,  as  proves  a  shame  and  dis- 
honour to  them  and  their  government  h. 

Q.  129.  What  is  required  of  superiors  towards 
their  inferiors  ? 

A.  It  is  required  of  superiors,  according  to 
that  power  they  receive  from  God,    and  that  re- 

y  Mat.  xv.  4,  5,  6.  But  ye  dren  of  Belial  said,  How  shall 
say,  Whosoever, shall  say  to  his  this  man  save  us  I  And  they 
father  or  his  mother,  It  is  a  despised  him,  and  brought  hin 
gift  by  whatsoever  thou  might-  no  presents. 
est  he  profited  by  me,  and  e  I  Sam.  ii.  25.  Notwithstand- 
honour  not  his  father  or  his  ing  they  hearkened  net  unto  the 
mother,  he  shall  be  free.  Thus  voice  of  their  father,  because 
have  ye  made  the  command-  the  Lord  would  slay  them. 
ment  of  God  of  none  effect  by  *  Deut.  xxi.  IS,  'l9,  20,  21. 
your  tradition.  And  they   shall    say   unto  the 

2  Num.xi  28,  29.    And  Moses   elders  of  his  city,  This  our  sen 
said  unto  him,  Enviest  thou  for   is  stubborn  and    rebellious,   he 
my  sake  ?   Would  to  God   that   will  not  obey  our  voice,  he  is  a 
all    the    Lord's    people    were   glutton  and  a  drunkard, 
prophets.  all  the  men    of   his  city  shall 

*  1  Sam.  viii.  7.  For  they  stone  him  with  stones,  that  he 
have  not  rejected  thee,  but  they   die. 

have  rejected  me,  that  I  should  ?  Prov.  xxx.  11.  There  is  a 
not  reign  over  them.  Is.  iii.  5.  generation  that  curseth  their 
The  child  shall  behave  him-  father,  and  doth  not  bless  their 
self  proudly  against  the  ancient,  mother  Verse  17.  The  eye 
and  the  base  against  the  ho-  that  mccketh  at  his  father,  and 
nourabk'.  despiseth  to  obey  his   mother, 

Bam.  xv.  from  verse  1  to  the  ravens  of  the  valley  shall 
I  And  it  came  to  pass  alter  pick  it  out,  and  tin  young 
this,    that    Absalom    prepared    eagl  at  it 

him  chariots  and  horses,  occ  k  Pi  .    26.    He   that 

■  Ex.  xxi.  15.  And  he  that  wasteth  his  father,  and  chascth 
smiteth  his  father  or  his  mother  away  his  mother,  is  a  son  that 
shall  foe  surely  put  to  death.  shame,    and   bi 

1   1  Sam.  x.  27.  But  the  i 


244  The  Larger  Catechism. 

lation  wherein  they  stand,  to  love1,  pray  fork, 
and  bless  their  inferiors  ! ;  to  instruct m,  counsel 
and  admonish  them";  countenancing0,  commend- 
ing p,  and  rewarding  such  as  do  well0-  ;  and  dis- 
countenancingr,  reproving,  and  chastising  such 
as  do  ill8,  protecting1,  and  providing  for  them 
all  things  necessary  for  soul  *,  and  body  w  :  And, 
by  grave>  wise,  holy,  and  exemplary  carriage, 
to    procure   glory   to   God%    honour   to  them- 

1  Col.  Hi.  19.  Husbands  love  but  to  the  evil. — Do  that  which 
your  wives,  and  be  not  bitter  is  good,  and  thou  shalt  have 
against  them.    Tit.  ii.  4.  praise  of  the  same.    1  Pet.  ii. 

k  1  Sam.  xii.  23.    Moreover   14. 
as  for  me,   God  forbid  that  I       i  Esth.  vi.  3.    And  the  king 
should  sin  against  the  Lord  in   said,  What  honour  and  dignity 
ceasing  to  pray  for  you.  Job  i.  5.   hath  been  done   to  Mordecai 

1  1  Kings  viii.  55,  56.  And  he  for  this  ? 
stood,  and  blessed  all  the  con-       r  Rom.  xiii.  4.  He  is  the  mi- 
gregation  of  Israel,  with  a  loud   nister  of  God — a  revenger  to 
voice.    Gen.  xlix.  28.  execute  wrath  upon  him  that 

ra  Deut.  vi.  6,  7.  And  these  doeth  evil, 
words  which  I  command  thee  $  Prov.  xxix.  15.  The  rod 
this  day  shall  be  in  thine  heart,  and  reproof  give  wisdom  :  but 
And  thou  shalt  teach  them  di-  a  child  left  to  himself,  bringeth 
ligently  unto  thy  children,  and  his  mother  to  shame.  Kom. 
shalt  talk  of  them  when  thou   xiii.  4. 

sittest  in  thine  house,  and  when       e    Job   xxix.    from  the   12th  j 
thou  walkest  by  the  way,  and   verse  to  the  18th      Because  I 
when    thou    liest    down,    and   delivered  the  poor  that  cried, 
when  thou  risest  up.  and    the  fatherless,    and   him 

n  Eph.  vi.  4.    And  ye  fathers  that  had  none  to  help  him,  &c. 
provoke  not  your  children  unto   Is.   i.  10.    17.     Relieve  the  op- 
wrath  ;   but  bring  them  up  in   pressed,  judge   the  fatherless, 
the  nurture  and  admonition  of  plead  for  the  widow, 
the  Lord.  u  Eph.   vi.  4.    See  above  in 

°  1  Pet.  iii.  7.  Likewise  ye  letter  n. 
husbands  dwell  with  them  ac-  w  1  Tim.  v.  8.  But  if  any. 
cording  to  knowledge,  giving  provide  not  for  his  own,  and 
honour  unto  the  wife  as  unto  specially  for  those  of  his  own 
the  weaker  vessel,  and  as  being  house,  he  hath  denied  the  faith, 
heirs  together  of  the  grace  of  and  is  worse  than  an  infidel, 
life ;  that  your  prayers  be  not  x  1  Tim.  i v.  12.  Let  no  man 
hindered.  despise  thy  youth,  but  be  thou 

?    Rom.  xiii.   3.     For  rulers   an  example  of  the  believers,  in 
are  not  a  terror  to  good  works,   word,  in  conversation/ in  cha- 


The  Larger  Catechism.  245 

selves  y,  and  so  to  preserve  that  authority  which 
God  hath  put  upon  them  z. 

Q.  130,  What  are  the  sins  of  superiors  ? 

A.  The  sins  of  superiors  are,  beside  the  neglect 
of  the  duties  required  of  them  %  an  inordinate 
seeking  of  themselves b,  their  own  glory c,  ease, 
profit,  or  pleasure  d,  commanding  things  unlaw- 
ful %  or  not  in  the  power  of  inferiors  to  perform  f ; 
counselling g,  encouraging h,  or  favouring  them 
in  that  which  is  evil l ;   dissuading,  discouraging 


ritv,  in  spirit,  in  faith,  in  puri- 
ty."   Tit.  ii.  3,  4,  5. 

y  1  Kings  iii.  18.  And  all 
Israel  heard  of  the  judgment 
that  the  king  had  judged,  and 
they  feared  the  king:  for  they 
saw  that  the  wisdom  of  God 
was  in  him,  to  do  judgment. 

2  Tit.  ii.  15.  These  things 
speak  and  exhort,  and  rebuke 
with  all  authority.  Let  no 
man  despise  thee. 

a  Kz.  xxxiv.  2,  3,  4.  Should 
not  die  shepherds  feed  the 
flocks  ?  The  diseased  have  ye 
not  strengthened,  neither  have 
ye  healed  that  which  was  sick, 
neither  have  ye  bound  up  that 
which  was  broken,  neither  have 
ye  brought  again  that  which 
was  driven  away,  neither  have 
ye  sought  that  which  was  lost. 

b  Phil.  ii.  21.  For  all  seek 
own,  not  the  things  which 
J'.'bus  Christ's. 

c  John  v.  44.  How  can  ye 
!>elieve,  who  receive  honour 
one  of  another,  and  seek  not 
the  honour  that  cometh  from 
God  onlv  *    John  vii.   18. 

d  Is.  hi.  10,  ii.  His  watch- 
men are  blind;  they  are  all 
ignorant,    they   a^e    all    dumb 


dogs,  they  cannot  bark  ;  sleep- 
ing, lying  down,  loving  to  slum- 
ber. '  Yea,  they  are  greedy 
dogs,  who  can  never  have 
enough.  Deut.  xvii.  17.  Neither 
shall  he  greatly  multiply  to 
himself  silver  and  gold. 

e  Acts  iv.  17,  38.  And  they 
called  them,  and  commanded 
them  net  to  speak  at  all,  nor 
teach  in  the  name  of  Jesus. 
Dan.  iii.  4,  5,  6. 

f  Ex.  v.  from  verse  10,  to 
the  19th.  There  shall  no  straw 
be  given  you,  yet  shall  ye  de- 
liver the  tale  of  brick.  Matt, 
xxiii.  2  4. 

s  Matt.  xiv.  8.  compared 
with  Mark  vi.  24.  And  she 
went  forth,  and  said  unto  her 
mother,  What  shall  I  ask  ? 
And  she  said,  The  head  of 
John  the  Baptist. 

h  Jer.  v.  30,  31.  A  wonder- 
ful and  horrible  thing  is  com- 
mitted in  the  hind.  The  pro- 
phets pn  ph-  \v  falsely*  and  the 
priests  bear  rule  by  their  means, 
and  my  people  love  to  have  it 
so:  and  what  will  ye  do  in  the 
end  thereof?  2  Sam.  xiii.  28. 

1  Jer  vi.  13,  14  From  the 
prophet  even  unto  the  priest, 

X  2 


246 


The  Larger  Catechism. 


or  discountenancing  them  in  that  which  is  good*  ; 
correcting  them  unduly l  ;  careless  exposing,  or 
leaving  them  to  wrong,  temptation  and  danger  m  ; 
provoking  them  to  wrath  n ;  or  any  way  disho- 
nouring themselves,  or  lessening  their  authority, 
by  an  unjust,  indiscreet,  rigorous  or  remiss  be- 
haviour °. 

Q.  131.  What  are  the  duties  of  equals  ? 

A.  The  duties  of  equals  are,  to  regard  the  dig- 


every  one  dealeth  falsely.  They 
have  healed  also  the  hurt  of 
— my  people  slightly,  saying, 
Peace,  peace,  when  there  is  no 
peace.    Ez.  xiii.  9,  10. 

k  John  vii.  46,  47,  43,  49. 
The  officers  answered,  Never 
man  spake  like  this  man :  Then 
answered  them  the  Pharisees, 
Are  ye  also  deceived  ?  Have  any 
of  the  rulers  or  of  the  Pharisees 
believed  on  him  ?  But  this  peo- 
ple who  knoweth  not  the  law 
are  cursed.  John  ix.  28.  Then 
they  reviled  him,  and  said, 
Thou  art  his  disciple ;  but  we 
are  Moses'  disciples. 

1  1  Pet.  ii.  19,  20.  For  this 
is  thank-worthy,  if  a  man  for 
conscience  toward  God  endure 
grief,  suffering  wrongfully.  For 
what  glory  is  it,  if  when  ye  be 
buffeted  for  your  faults  ye  take 
it  patiently  ?  But  if  when  ye 
do  well,  and  suffer  for  it,  ye 
take  it  patiently,  this  is  accep- 
table with  God.  Heb.  xii.  10. 
They  verily  for  a  few  days 
chastened  us  after  their  own 
Measure :  but  he  for  our  profit, 
that  we  might  be  partakers  of 
his  holiness.     Deut  xxv.  3. 

m  Lev.  xix.  29.  Do  not  pros- 
titute thy  daughter.  Is.  lviii.7. 
Is  it  not  to  deal  thy  bread  to 


the  hungry,  and  that  thou  bring 
the  poor  that  are  cast  out  to 
thy  house  ?  When  thou  seest 
the  naked  that  thou  cover  him, 
and  that  thou  hide  not  thyself 
from  thine  own  flesh?  Gen. 
xxxiii.  11.  26. 

n  Eph.  vi.  4.  And  ye  fathers 
provoke  not  your  children  to 
wrath. 

0  Gen.  ix.  21.  And  he  drank 
of  the  wine,  and  was  drunken, 
and  he  was  uncovered  within 
his  tent.  1  Kings  xii.  13.  And 
the  king  (Rehoboam)  answered 
the  people  roughly,  and  for- 
sook the  old  mens'  counsel  that 
they  gave  him  ;  and  spake  to 
them  after  the  counsel  of  the 
young  men,  saying,  My  father 
made  your  yoke  heavy,  and  I 
will  add  to  your  yoke :  my  fa- 
ther also  chastised  you  with 
whips,  but  I  will  chastise  you 
with  scorpions.  1  Kings  \.  6. 
And  his  father  had  not  dis- 
pleased him  at  any  time  in  say- 
ing, Why  hast  thou  done  so  ? 
1  Sam.  hi.  13.  For  I  have  told 
him,  (Eli)  That  I  will  judge 
his  house  for  ever  for  the  ini- 
quity which  he  knoweth,  be- 
cause his  sons  made  themselves 
vile,  and  he  restrained  them 
not. 


The  Larger  Catechism* 


247 


nity  and  worth  of  each  other  p,  in  giving  honour 
to  go  one  before  another  q  ;  and  to  rejoice  in  each 
other's  gifts  and  advancement  as  their  own  r. 

Q.  132.  What  are  the  sins  of  equals  ? 

A.  The  sins  of  equals  are,  beside  the  neglect  of 
the  duties  required8,  the  undervaluing  of  the 
worth  \  envying  the  gifts  u,  grieving  at  the  ad- 
vancement or  prosperity  one  of  another w  ;  and 
usurping  pre-eminence  one  over  another  x. 

Q.  133.  What  is  the  reason  annexed  to  the  fifth 
commandment,  the  more  to  enforce  it? 

A.  The  reason  annexed  to  the  fifth  command- 
ment, in  these  words,  that  thy  days  may  be  long 
upon   the  land  which  the  Lord  thy   God  gweth 


p  1  Pet.  ii.  17.  Honour  all 
men — Love  the  brotherhood 

i  Rom.  xii.  10.  In  honour 
preferring  one  another.  Phil, 
ii.  3 — In  lowliness  of  mind,  let 
each  esteem  ether  better  than 
themselves. 

r  Rom.  xii.  15,  16.  Rejoice 
with  them  that  do  rejoice,  and 
weep  with  them  that  weep.  Be 
of  the  same  mind  one  towards 
another.  Phil,  ii  4.  Look 
every  man  on  his  own  things, 
but  every  man  also  on  the  things 

I  ,m  xiii   8.     O    i 
any  thing,  but  to  love  one 
ther,  for  he  that  loveth  another 
hath  fulfilled  the 

f  Prov.  xiv.  21.     He  that 

th  his  neighbour  sinneth  ; 
but  he  that  hath  mercy  on  the 
poor,  happy  is  he.  Is.  lxv.  5. 
Which   say,  Stand  by  th} 

nt  near  to  me,  for  I  am 
n  thou.   2  Tim.  iii.  3. 


u  Acts  vii.  9.  And  the  pa- 
triarchs, moved  with  envy,  sold 
Joseph  into  Egypt :  but  God 
was  with  him.  Gal.  v.  26.  Let 
us  not  be  desirous  of  vain  glory, 
provoking  one  another,  envying 
one  another. 

w  1  John  iii.  12.  Not  as  Cain* 
who  was  of  that  wicked  one, 
and  slew  his  brother.  And 
wherefore  slew  he  him  ?  Be- 
liis  own  works  were  evil, 
and  his  brother's  righteous. 
Matt,  xx  15.  Is  thine  eye  evil 
iecause  I  am  good  !  Num.  xii. 
I  sth.  vi  12,  13.  Luke  xv. 
28,  29. 

*  Matt  xx.  25,  26,  27.     But 
cal'ed  tlu  m  unto  him  and 
hat  the  pnnces 
Gentile*  exerci 
uver   then.  that 

authority 
them  :  but  it  sh  . 
..ong  you,  2 
24,  25,  26. 


248 


The  Larger  Catechism. 


thee  y,  is  an  express  promise  of  long  life  and  pros- 
perity, as  far  as  it  shall  serve  for  God's  glory  and 
their  own  good,  to  all  such  as  keep  this  com- 
mandment r. 

Q.  134.  Which  is  the  sixth  commandment? 
A.  The  sixth  commandmnt  is,  Thou  shalt  not 
kill*. 

Q,  135.  What  are  the  duties  required  in  the 
sixth  commandment  ? 

A.  The  duties  required  in  the  sixth  com- 
mandment are,  all  careful  studies,  and  lawful  en- 
deavours, to  preserve  the  life  of  ourselves b  and 
others0,  by  resisting  all  thoughts  and  purposes d, 
subduing  all  passions e,  and  avoiding  all  occasions f, 
temptations  s,   and   practices,  which  tend  to   the 


y  Ex.  xx.  12. 

z  Eph.  vi.  2,  3.  Honour  thy 
father  and  mother,  which  is 
the  first  commandment  with 
promise;  that  it  may  be  well 
with  thee,  and  thou  mayest  live 
long  on  the  earth.  Deut.  v. 
16.     1  Kings  viii.  25. 

*  Ex.  xx.  13 

b  Eph.  v.  29.  No  man  ever 
yet  hated  his  own  flesh,  but 
nourisheth  and  cherisheth  it. 
Matt.  x.  23. 

c  Job  xxix.  13.  The  blessing 
of  him  that  was  ready  to  perish 
came  upon  me.  1  Kings  xviii  4. 

d  1  Sam.  xix.  4,  5.  And  Jo- 
nathan spake  good  of  David 
unto  Saul  his  father,  and  said 
unto  him,  Let  not  the  king  sin 
against  his  servant,  against  Da- 
vid, because  he  hath  not  sinned 
against  thee,  and  because  his 
works  have  been  to  thee- ward 
-very    good.     Wherefore    wilt 


thou  sin  against  innocent  blood, 
to  slay  David  without  a  cause. 
Jer.  xxvi.  15,  16.  Acts  xxiii. 
21.  27. 

e  Eph.  iv.  26.  Be  ye  angry 
and  sin  not :  let  not  the  sun  go 
down  upon  your  wrath. 

f  Prov.  xxii.  24,  25.  Make 
no  friendship  with  an  angry 
man  ;  and  with  a  furious  man 
thou  shalt  not  go;  lest  thou 
learn  his  ways,  and  get  a  snare 
to  thy  soul.  1  Sam  xxv.  32,  33. 
2  Sam.  ii.  23.   Deut.  xxii.  8. 

b  Prov.  i.  10,  11.  My  son, 
if  sinners  entice  thee,  consent 
thou  not.  If  they  say,  Come 
with  us,  let  us  lay  wait  for 
blood  ;  let  us  lurk  privily  for 
the  innocent  without  cause. 
Verse  15.  My  son  walk  not 
thou  in  the  way  with  them  ;  re- 
frain thy  foot' from  their  path. 
Matt.  iv.  6,  7. 


The  Larger  Catechism. 


249 


unjust  taking  away  the  life  of  any  b  ;  by- just  defence 
thereof  against  violence  l ;  patient  bearing  of  the 
hand  of  God  k ;  quietness  of  mind  ',  cheerfulness  of 
spirit m,  and  sober  use  of  meat n,  drink  °,  physic  p, 


11  1  Kings  xxi.  9,  10.  19.  And 
she  (Jezabel)  wrote  in  the  let- 
ters, saving,  Proclaim  a  fast, 
and  set  ftaboth  on  high  among 
the  people,  and  set  two  men, 
sons  of  Belial,  before  him,  to 
hear  witness  against  him,  say- 
ing, Thou  didst  blaspheme 
God  and  the  king;  and  then 
carry  him  out  and  stone  him, 
that  he  may  die. — Hast  thou, 
(Ahab)  killed,  and  also  taken 
possession?  Thussaith  the  Lord, 
In  the  place  where  dogs  licked 
the  blood  of  Naboth,  shall  dogs 
lick  thy  blood,  even  thine.  Gen. 
xxxvii.  21,  22.  1  Sam.  xxi  v. 
12.  and  xxvi.  9,  10,  11. 

1  Prov.  xxiv.  11,  12.  If  thou 
forbear  to  deliver  them  that 
are  drawn  unto  death,  and 
those  that  are  ready  to  be  slain  ; 
if  thou  say  est,  Behold  we  knew 
it  not ;  doth  not  he  that  pon- 
dereth  the  heart  consider  it  ? 
and  he  that  keepeth  thy  soul, 
doth  not  he  know  it  ?  and  shall 
not  he  render  to  every  man 
according  tw  his  works  ?  1  Sam. 
.  46 

k  Luke  xxi.  19.  In  your  pa- 
tience possess  ye  your  souls. 
Jam.  v.  8.  Be  ye  also  patient, 
stablish  your  hearts,  for  the 
coming  of  the  Lord  draweth 
nigh.  Heb.  xii.  5.  Mv 
despise  not  thou  the  chastening 


of  the   Lord,   nor  faint,  when 
thou  art  rebuked  of  him :  &c. 

1  Ps.  xxxvii.  8.  Cease  from 
anger,  and  forsake  wrath ;  fret 
not'  thyself  in  any  wise  to  do 
evil.  Verse  11.  The  meek 
shall  inherit  the  earth;  and 
shall  delight  themselves  in  the 
abundance  of  peace.  1  Pet.  iii. 
3,  4.  Whose  adorning — let  it 
be  the  hidden  man  of  the  heart, 
in  that  which  is  not  corruptible, 
even  the  ornament  of  a  meek 
and  quiet  spirit,  which  is  in  the 
sight  of  God  of  great  price. 

m  Prov.  xvii.  22.  A  merry- 
heart  doeth  good  like  a  medi- 
cine ;  but  a  broken  spirit  drieth 
the  bones.  1  Thess.  v.  16.  Re- 
joice evermore. 

n  Prov.  xxiii.  20.  Be  not 
among  riotous  eaters  of  flesh. 
Prov.  xxv.  16. 

°  Prov.   xxiii.  29,  30.     W 
hath  woe  ?  who   hath  son 
who    hath     contentions  ? 
hath      babbling  ?     who     hath 
wounds    without    cause?    who 
hath  redness  of  eyes?  They  that 
tarry  long  at  the   wine;   they 
that    go    to    seek  mixed  wine. 
Ec  x   17.      1  Tim.  v.  23. 

P  Matt.  ix.  12.  But  when  Jesus 

heard  that,  he  said  unto  them, 

They  that  be  whole  need  not  a 

i  an,  but  they  that  are  sick. 

Is.  xxxviii. 


250  The  Larger  Catechism. 

sleeps  labour r,  and  recreations8,  by  charitable 
thoughts  \  love  u,  compassion  w,  meekness,  gen- 
tleness,  kindness*  ;  peaceable7,  mild  and  courteous 
speeches  and  behaviour z ;  forbearing,  readiness 
to  be  reconciled,  patient  bearing  and  forgiving  of 
injuries,  and  requiting  good  for  evil a  ;  comforting 
and  succouring  the  distressed,  and  protecting  and 
defending  the  innocent b. 

*  Ec.  ii.  23.  All  his  days  ing,  but  contrariwise  blessing. 
are  sorrows,  and  his  travail  1  Cor.  iv.  12,  13.  Being  reviled, 
grief;  yea,  his  heart  taketh  we  bless ;  being  persecuted,  we 
not  rest  in  the  night.  This  is  suffer  it ;  being  defamed,  we 
also  vanity.    Ps.  cxxvii.  2.  intreat. 

r   Ec.  v.   12.    The  sleep   of  a   Col.   iii.    13.     Forbearing 

a  labouring  man  is  sweet,  whe-  one  another,  and  forgiving  one 

ther  he  eat  little  or  much ;  but  another,  if   any    man  have  a 

the  abundance  of  the  rich  will  quarrel  against  any ;  even  as 

not  suffer  him  to  sleep.  Christ  forgave  you/  so  also  do 

*  2  Thess.  iii.  10.  12.  Ec.  iii.  ye.  Jam.  iii.  17.  The  wisdom 
4.  A  time  to  mourn,  and  a  that  is  from  above  is, — gentle 
time  to  dance.  and  easy  to  be  entreated.  1  Pet. 

c  1  Cor.  xiii.  4,  5.     Charity  ii  20.    If  when  ye  do  well  and 

thinketh  no  evil.    1  Sam.  xix.  suffer  for  it  ye  take  it  patiently  ; 

4,  5.  this   is   acceptable  with   God. 

0  Rorn.  xiii  10.    Love  work-  Rom.  xii.  20.     If  thine  enemy 

eth   no    ill    to   his   neighbour,  hunger,  feed  him  :  if  he  thirst, 

Prov.  x.    12.     Hatred   stirreth  give  him  drink  ;  for  in  so  doing 

up  strifes;   but  love  covereth  thou  shalt  heap  coals  of  fire  on 

all  sins.  his  head.    Be  not  overcome  of 

w  Zech.  vii.  9.    Thus  speak-  evil,    but  overcome  evil  with 

eth  the  Lord  of  Hosts,  saying —  good.     Matt.  v.  24. 
Shew  mercy  and  compassions        b  1  Thess.  v.   14.     Comfort 

every  man  to  his  brother.  Luke  the  feeble  minded,  support  the 

x.  33,  34.  weak.     Matt.  xxv.    35,   36.    I 

*  Col.  iii.  12.  Put  on  there-  was  an  hungered,  and  ye  gave 
fore,  as  the  elect  of  God,  holy  me  meat ;  I  was  thirsty,  and  ye 
and  beloved,  bowels  of  mercies,  gave  me  drink  ;  I  was  a  stran- 
kindness,  humbleness  of  mind,  ger,  and  ye  took  me  in ;  naked, 
meekness,  long-suffering.  and  ye  clothed  me  ;  I  was  sick, 

y  Rom.  xii.  18.    If  it  be  pos-  and  ye  visited  me;   I  was  in 

sible,  as  much  as  in  you  lieth,  prison,  and  ye  came  unto  me. 

live  peaceably  with  all  men.  Job  xxxi.   19,  20.     Is.  lviii.    7. 

z  1  Pet.  iii.  8,  9.     Be  pitiful,  Prov.    xxxi.    8,    9.     Open    thy 

be    courteous ;    not   rendering  mouth   for   the   dumb-  in    the 

evil  for  evil,  or  railing  for  rail-  cause  of  all  such  as  are  ap- 


The  Larger  Catechism.  251 

*  Q.   136.  What  are  the  sins  forbidden  in  the 
sixth  commandment  ? 

A.  The  sins  forbidden  in  the  sixth  command- 
ment are,  all  taking  away  the  life  of  ourselves0  or 
of  others  d ;  except  in  case  of  public  justice  %  law- 
ful war f  or  necessary  defence  g  ;  the  neglecting  or 
withdrawing  the  lawful  or  necessary  means  of 
preservation  of  life  h  ;  sinful  anger  l,  hatred  k,  en- 
vy ',  desire  of  revenge  m  ;  and  excessive  passions  n, 

pointed  to  destruction.  Plead  ?  Ex.  xxii.  2.  If  a  thief  be 
the  cause  cf  the  poor  and  needy,  found  breaking  up,  and  be  smit- 
c  Acts  xvi.  28.  But  Paul  ten  that  he  die,  there  shall  no 
cried  with  a  loud  voice,  saying,  blood  be  shed  for  him. 
Do  thyself  no  harm,  for  we  are  h  Matt.  xxv.  42,  43.  I  was 
all  here.     Prov.  i.  18.  an  hungered  and  ye  gave  me  no 

d  Gen.  ix.  6.  Whoso  sheddeth  meat;  I  wras  thirsty,  and  ye 
man's  blood,  by  man  shall  his  gave  me  no  drink  ;  I  was  a 
blood  be  shed  ;  for  in  the  image  stranger  and  ye  took  me  not  in; 
of  God  made  he  man.  naked,  and  ye  clothed  me  not ; 

e  Ex.  xxi.  14.  If  a  man  sick  and  in  prison,  and  ye  visit- 
come  presumptuously  upon  his  ed  me  not.  Jam.  ii.  15,  16.  Ec. 
neighbour,    to   slay    him    with   vi  1,  2. 

guile  ;  thou  shalt  take  him  from  •  Matt.  v.  22.  I  say  unto  you, 
mine  altar,  that  he  may  die.  That  whosoever  is  angry  with 
Num.  xxxv.  31.  33.  his  brother  without  a    cause, 

f  Deut  xx.  1.  When  thou  shall  be  in  danger  of  the  judg- 
goest  out  to  battle  against  thine   ment 

enemies,  and  seest  horses  and  k  1  John  iii.  15.  Whosoever 
chariots,  and  a  people  more  hateth  his  brother  is  a  murder- 
than    thou,    be    not    afraid    of  er.     Lev.  xix.  17.     Prov.  x.  12. 

n  ;   for  the  Lord  thy  God   Hatred  stirreth  up  strifes. 

is  With  thee  which  brought  thee       '  Job  v.  2.    Envy  slayeth  the 

it   of  the  land  of  Egypt,    billy    one.      Prov. '  xiv.    30.    A 

Heb.  \i  32,  33,  34.    The   sound  heart  is  the   life   of  the 

would  fail   me  to  tell  of  flesh;  but  envy,   the  rottenness 

id  of  Barak,  and  of  of  the  \> 

and   of  Jephthae,  cf       *  Rom.  xii.  12.  Dearly  belov- 
David  also,  andSamue\  ai  nge  not  yourselves,  but 

the    prophets;    who    through  rather  give  place  unto  wrath. 
faith    subdued    k  — out       n  Jam.  iv.  l.    From  whence 

aknesswere  made  strong,  come  wars  and  fightings  among 
waxed  valiant  in  fight,  turned  >  u  come  they  not  hence  even 
to    flight    the    armies   of    the   of  your  In  war  in  your 

ens.    Jer.  xlviii.  10.  members?  Eph.  iv.  31. 


252  The  Larger  Catechism. 

distracting  cares0;  immoderate  use  of  meat, 
drink  p,  labolir  q,  and  recreations  r ;  provoking 
words8;  oppression1,  quarrelling11,  striking, wound- 
ing w,  and  whatsoever  else  tends  to  the  destruc- 
tion of  the  life  of  any  x. 

Q.  137.  Which  is  the  seventh  commandment  ? 
A.  The  seventh  commandment  is,  Thou  shalt 
not  commit  adultery  y  ? 

Q.  138.  What  are  the  duties  required  in  these- 
venth  commandment  ? 

A.  The  duties  required  in  the  seventh  com- 
mandment are,  chastity  in  body,  mind,  affections*, 
words  a,  and    behaviour b ;    and  the   preservation 

°  Matt.  vi.  34.  Take  therefore  poor?  saith  the  Lord  God  of 
no  thought  for  the  morrow ; —  hosts.  Ex.  i.  14. 
sufficient  unto  the  day  is  the  ■  Gal.  v.  15.  But  if  ye  bite 
evil  thereof.  Job  xxi  25.  Ano-  and  devour  one  another,  take 
ther  dieth  in  the  bitterness  of  heed  that  ye  be  not  consumed 
his  soul,  and  never  eateth  with  one  of  another, 
pleasure.  w  Num.  xxxv.  16.  And  if  he 

p  Luke  xxi.  34.  And  take  smite  him  with  an  instrument 
heed  to  yourselves,  lest  at  any  of  iron,  so  that  he  die ;  he  is  a 
time,  your  hearts  be  over-  murderer;  the  murderer  shall 
charged  with  surfeiting  and  surely  be  put  to  death,  £cc.  &c. 
drunkenness.  *  Prov.  xxviii.  17.  A  man  tlu.t 

^   Ec.   iv.   8.     There   is  one   doeth  violence   to  the  blood  of 
alone,  and  there  is  not  a  se-   any  person,  shall  flee  to  the  pit ; 
cond  :    yea,    he    hath    neither  let  no  man  stay  him.    Ex.   xxi. 
child  nor  brother ;  yet  is  there    18.  to  the  end. 
no  end  of  all  his  labour ;  nei-       >'  Ex.  xx.  14. 
ther  is  his  eye  satisfied  with       z   1  Thess.   iv.  4,  5.     Every 
riches ;  neither  saith   he,  For  one   of  you  should  know  how 
whom  do  I  labour,  and  bereave   to  possess  his  vessel  in  sanctifi- 
my  soul  of  good?  This'  is  also   cation  and  honour;   not  in  the    . 
Vanity.  Ec.  ii.  22.  and  xii.  12.     lust  of  concupiscence  Job  xxxi.l. 

r  Ec.  xi.  9.  a  Eph.  iv.  29.     Let  no  cor- 

*  Prov.  xv.  1.  Grievous  words  rupt  communication  proceed 
stir  up  anger.     Prov.  xii.  18.        out  of  your    mouth,    but  that 

c  Is.  iii.  15.     What  mean  ye   which    is  good  to  the  use  of 
that  ye  beat  my  people  to  pie-   edifying.     Col.  iv.  6. 
ces,  and  grind  the  faces  of  the       b  1  Pet.  iii.  2.     While  they 


The  Larger  Catechism. 


25; 


of  it  in  ourselves  and  others  %  watchfulness  over 
the  eyes  and  all  the  senses  d ;  temperance  %  keep- 
ing of  chaste  company  f,  modesty  in  apparel g ; 
marriage  by  those  that  have  not  the  gift  of  conti- 
nency  h,  conjugal  love  \  and  cohabitation  k  ;  dili- 
gent labour  in  our  callings ] ;  shunning  all  occa- 
sions of  uncleanness,  and  resisting  temptations 
thereunto  m. 

Q.  139.  What  are  the  sins  forbidden  in  the 
seventh  commandment  ? 

A.  The  sins  forbidden  in  the  seventh  com- 
mandment, beside  the  neglect  of  the  duties  requir- 


behold  your   chaste   conversa- 
tion, coupled  with  fear. 

c  1  Cor.  vii.  2.  Nevertheless 
to  avoid  fornication,  let  every 
man  have  his  own  wife,  and  let 
every  woman  have  her  own 
husband.  Tit.  ii.  4,  5.  That  they 
may  teach  the  young  women 
to  be  discreet,  chaste,  keepers 
at  home. 

d  Mat  v.  28.  Whosoever 
looketh  on  a  woman  to  lust  af- 
ter her,  hath  committed  adul- 
tery with  her  already  in  his 
heart.     Job.  xxxi.  1. 

e  Prov.  xxiii.  31.  33.  Look  not 
thou  upon  the  wine  when  it  is 
rtcl— Thine  eyes  shall  behold 
strange  women.  Jcr.  v.  7.  When 
I  had  fed  them  to  the  full,  they 
then  committed  adultery,  and 
assembled  themselves  by  troops 
in  the  harlots,  houses. 

f  Prov.  ii.  16.  To  deliver 
thee  from  the  strange  woman, 
even  from  the  stranger  which 
tiattereth  with  her  words  ;    &c. 

I     r.  v.  9.  1  wrote  unto  \ 
an  epistle,  not  to  company  with 
fornicators. 

*  1  Tim.  ii.  9.  In  like  manner 


also,  that  the  women  adorn 
themselves  in  modest  apparel, 
with  shamefacedness  and  so- 
brietv. 

h  I  Cor.  vii.  9.  But  if  they 
cannot  contain  let  them  marrv. 

4  Prov.  v.  18,  19.  Rejoice 
with  the  wife  of  thy  youth  ; 
let  her  be  as  the  loving  hind, 
and  pleasant  roe;  let  her 
breasts  satisfy  thee  at  all  times, 
and  be  thou  ravished  always 
with  her  love. 

k  1  Pet.  iii.  7.  Likewise,  ye 
husbands,  dwell  with  them  ac- 
cording to  '.nowiedge — 1  Cor. 
vii.  5.  Defraud  ye  not  one  the 
other,  except  it  be  with  con- 
sent for  a  time — and  come  to- 
gether again,  that  Satan  tempt 
vou  not  lor  vour    incontinency. 

"  1  Tim.  v  13,  14  And  with- 
al they  learn  to  be  idle.  I  will 
therefore  that  the  younger 
n  parry,  bear  children, 
snide  the  'row  xxxi. 

27. 

m  Prov.  v  8.  Remove  thy 
way  tar  from  her  ;  and  come 
not  nigh  the  door  of  her  house. 


254  The  Larger  Catechism. 

ed  n,  are  adultery,  fornication0,  rape,  incest  p,  so- 
domy, and  all  unnatural  lusts  q  ;  all  unclean  im- 
aginations, thoughts,  purposes  and  affections1"; 
all  corrupt  or  filthy  communications,  or  listening 
thereunto8;  wanton  looks1,  impudent  or  light 
behaviour,  immodest  apparel u ;  prohibiting  of 
lawful  w,  and  dispensing  with  unlawful  marriages  x  ; 
allowing,  tolerating,  keeping  of  stews,  and  resort- 

n  Prov.  v.  7.  Hear  me  now  r  Mat.  xv.  19.  Out  of  the 
therefore,  O  ye  children,  and  heart  proceed  evil  thoughts, 
depart  not  from  the  words  of  murders,  adulteries,  fornica- 
my  mouth.    Prov.  iv.  28.  27.       tions.  Col.  iii.  5.  Mortify  there- 

°  Heb.  xiii.  4.  Whoremongers  fore  your  members  which  are 
and  adulterers  God  will  judge,  upon  the  earth  ;  fornication,  un- 
Eph.  v.  5.  For  this  ye  know,  cleanness,  inordinate  affection, 
that  no  whoremonger,  nor  un-  evil  concupiscence,  and  cove- 
clean  person — hath  any  inherit-  tousness,  which  is  idolatry, 
ance  in  the  kingdom  of  Christ  Mat.  v.  28. 
and  of  God.    Gal.  v.  19.  *  Eph.  v.  3,  4.    But  fornica- 

p  2  Sam.  xiii.  14.  Howbeit  he  tion,  and  all  uncleanness,  or 
would  not  hearken  to  her  voice,  covetousness  let  it  not  be  once 
but  being  stronger  than  she,  named  among  you,  as  becometh 
forced  her,  and  lay  with  her.  saints ;  neither  tilthiness,  nor 
Mark  vi.  18.  John  had  said  un-  foolish  talking,  nor  jesting, 
to  Herod,  It  is  not  lawful  for  which  are  not  convenient  Prov. 
thee  to  have  thy  brother's  wife.  vii.  5.  21.  That  they  may  keep 
1  Cor.  v.  1.  13.  thee  from  the  strange  woman, 

<a  Rom  i.  26,  27.  For  this  from  the  stranger  which  flat- 
cause  God  gave  them  up  unto  tereth  with  her  words,  &c. 
vile  affections;  for  even  their  Prov.  xix.  27. 
women  did  change  the  natural  c  Is.  iii.  16.  The  daughters 
use  into  that  which  is  against  of  Zion  are  haughty,  and  walk 
nature  :  and  likewise  also  the  with  stretched  forth  necks  and 
men,  leaving  the  natural  use  of  wanton  eyes. — 2  Pet.  ii.  13. 
the  woman  burned  in  their  lust,  Having  eyes  full  of  adultery, 
one  towards  another.  Lev.  20.  and  that  cannot  cease  from  sin.— 
15,  16.  If  a  man  lie  with  a  u  Prov.  vii.  10.  13.  And  be- 
beast,  he  shall  surely  be  put  to  hold  there  met  him  a  woman 
death  ;  and  ye  shall  slay  the  with  the  attire  of  an  harlot,  and 
beast.  And  if  a  woman  ap-  subtil  of  heart.  So  she  caught 
proach  unto  any  beast,  and  lie  him  and  kissed  him,  and  with 
down  thereto,  thou  shalt  kill  an  impudent  face  said  unto  him. 
the  woman  and  the  beast ;  they  w  1  Tim.  iv.  3.  Forbidding  to 
Shall   surely  be  put  to  death  ;   marry. — 

leir  blood  shall  be  upon  them,       x  Lev.  xviii.  1.—  21. 


The  Larger  Catechism. 


255 


ing  to  them y ;  entangling  vows  of  single  life  % 
undue  delay  of  marriage  a ;  having  morevvi  ves  or 
husbands  than  one  at  the  same  time  b ;  unjust  di- 
vorce0 or  desertion d ;  idleness,  gluttony,  drunk- 
enness6, unchaste  company  f;  lascivious  songs, 
books,  pictures,  dancings,  stage-plays  s ;  and  all 
other  provocations  to,  or  acts  of  unckanness 
either  in  ourselves  or  others  h. 

Q.   140.  Which  is  the  eighth  commandment 


y  2  Kings  xxiii.  7.  lie  (Josiah) 
brake  down  the  houses  of  the 
sodomites  that  were  by  the 
house  of  the  Lord. — Lev.  xix. 
29.  Do  not  prostitute  thy 
daughter,  to  cause  her  to  be  a 
whore ;  lest  the  land  fall  to 
whoredom,  and  the  land  become 
full  of  wickedness. — Jer.  v.  7. 
How  shall  I  pardon  thee  for  this? 
thy  children  have  forsaken 
me.— When  I  had  fed  them  to 
the  full,  they  then  committed 
adultery,  and  assembled  them- 
selves by  troops  in  the  harlots' 
houses. 

*  Matthew  xix.  10,  11. 

a  Tim.  v.  14, 15.  I  will  there- 
fore that  the  younger  women 
many — for  some  are  already 
turned  aside  after  Satan. — Gen. 
xxxviii.  26. 

b  Matthew  xix.  5.  For  this 
cause  shall  a  man  leave  father 
and  mother,  and  shall  cleave 
to  his  wife ;  and  they  twain 
shall  be  one  flesh.     Cor.  vii.  2. 

c  Matthew  v.  32.  But  I  say 
unto  you,  that  whosoever  shall 
put  away  his  wife,  saving  for 
the  cause  of  fornication,  causeth 
her  to  commit  adultery  ;  and 
whosever  shall  marry  her  that 
is  divorced,  committeth  adulte- 
ry.   Matt.  ii.  16. 


d  See  the  letter  k.  1  Cor.  vii. 
12,  13. 

e  Ezek.  xvi.  49.  Behold  this 
was  the  iniquity  of  thy  sister 
Sodom,  pride,  fulness  of  bread, 
and  abundance  of  idleness  was 
in  her.— see  letter  y. 

f  Eph.  v.  11.  And  have  no 
fellowship  with  the  unfruitful 
works  of  darkness.    Prov.  v.  8. 

g  Rom  xiii.  13.  Let  us  walk 
honestly  as  in  the  day ;  not  in 
rioting  and  drunkenness,  not  in 
chambering  and  wantonness.  1 
Pet.  iv.  3.  For  the  time  past  of 
our  life  may  suffice  us  to  have 
wrought  the  will  of  the  Gen- 
tiles ;  when  we  walked  in  las- 
civiousness,  lusts,  excess  of 
wine,  revellings,  banquetings. 
Ezek.  xxiii.  14.  16.  When  she 
saw  men  pourtrayed  upon  the 
wall—she  doted  upon  them — 
Isa.  xxiii.  15,  16.  Mar.  vi   22. 

h  Horn.  xiii.  14.  Make  net 
provision  for  the  flesh  to  fulfil 
the  lusts  thereof.  2  Pet.  ii.  17, 
lis.  To  whom  the  mist  of  dark- 
ness is  reserved  for  ever.  For 
when  they  speak  great  swelling 
words  ot  vanity,  they  allure 
through  the  lusts  of  the  flesh, 
through      much      wantoni 

i   that  were  clean  escaped 
from  them  who  live  in  error,  £u 


256  The  Larger  Catechism. 

A.  The  eighth  commandment  is,  Thou  shalt 
not  steal1. 

Q.  141.  What  are  the  duties  required  in  the 
eighth  commandment  ? 

A.  The  duties  required  in  the  eighth  com- 
mandment are,  truth,  faithfulness  and  justice  in 
contracts  and  commerce  between  man  and  man  k ; 
rendering  to  every  one  his  due1;  restitution  of 
goods  unlawfully  detained  from  the  right  owners 
thereof m  ;  giving  and  lending  freely,  according  to 
our  abilities,  and  the  necessities  of  others";  mo- 
deration of  our  judgments,  wills  and  affections 
concerning  worldly  goods  ° ;  a  provident  care  and 
study  to  get p,  keep,  use  and  dispose  of  those 
things  which  are  necessary  and  convenient  for  the 
sustentation  of  our  nature,   and  suitable  to  our 

■  Ex.  xx.  15.  poor  brother ;  but  thou  shalt 

k  Ps.  xv.  2.  4.  He  that  walk-  open  thine  hand  wide  unto  him, 
eth  uprightly,  and  worketh  and  shalt  surely  lend  him  suffi- 
righteousness.  He  that  sweareth  cient  for  his  need,  in  that  which 
to  his  own  hurt,  and  changeth  he  wanteth. — Thou  shalt  surely 
not. — Micah  vi.  8,  What  doth  give  him,  and  thine  heart  shall 
the  Lord  require  of  thee  but  to  not  be  grieved  when  thou  givest 
do  justly  ?  Zech.  viii.  16.  unto  him.- — Gal.vi.  10.  Luke  vi. 

1    Rom.    xiii.   7.     Render    to   30  38. 
oil  their  dues,  tribute  to  whom       °  1  Tim.  vi.  9.     Having  fooci 
tribute,  8cc.  and  raiment,  let  us  be  there- 

ia  Lev.  vi.  4,  5*. — He  shall  with  content.  But  they  that 
restore  that  which  he  took  vio-  will  be  rich  fall  into  tempta- 
lently  away,  or  the  thing  which  tion,  and  a  snare,  and  into  many 
lie  hath  deceitfully  gotten,  or  foolish  and  hurtful  lusts,  which 
that  which  was  delivered  him  drown  men  in  destruction  and 
to  keep,  or  the  lost  thing  perdition. — 
which  he  found,  or  all  that  p  1  Tim.  v.  8.  •  But  if  any 
about  which  he  hath  sworn  provide  not  for  his  own,  and 
falselv,  Sec.    Luke  xix.  8.  speciallv  for  those  of  his  own 

°  Deut.  xv.  7,  8.   10.— Thou  house,  lie  hath  denied  the  faith 
shalt  not  harden  thine  heart,   and  is  worse  than  an  infidel, 
nor  shut  thine  hand   from  thy 


The  Larger  Catechism. 


25: 


conditions";  a  lawful  calling r,  and  diligence  in 
it";  frugality1;  avoiding  unnecessary  law-suits  u, 
and  suretyship,  or  other  like  engagements  w  ;  and 
an  endeavour  by  all  just  and  lawful  means  to  pro- 
cure, preserve,  and  further  the  wealth  and  outward 
estate  of  others,  as  well  as  our  own  \ 

Q.  142.  What  are  the  sins  forbidden  in  the 
eighth  Commandment? 

A.  The  sins  forbidden  in  the  eighth  command- 
ment, beside  the  neglect  of  the  duties  required  y, 
are,  theft  %  robbery  %  man-stealing b,  and  receiv- 


*  Prov.  xxvii.  23.  27.  Be  thou 
diligent  to  know  the  state  of 
thy  flocks,  and  look  well  to  thy 
herds;  for  riches  are  not  for 
ever,  &c. — Ec.  iii.  12,  13.  I 
know  that  there  is  no  good  in 
them,  but  for  a  man  to  rejoice 
and  to  do  good  in  his  life :  It  is 
the  gift  of  God.  1  Tim.  vi  17, 
18.  Charge  them  that  are  rich 
in  this  world, — that  they  do 
good,  that  they  be  rich  in  good 
works,  ready  to  distribute,  will- 
ing to  communicate. 

r  Eph  iv.  28.  Let  him  labour, 
working  with  his  hands  the 
thing  which  is  good. — Ec.  ix. 
10.  Whatsoever  thy  hand  find- 
eth  to  do,  do  it  with  thy  might. 
Rom.  xii.  5. — 8. 

«  Prov.   x.    4.     The  hand  of 

the  diligent  maketh  rich.  Rom. 

xii.  11.  Not  slothful  in  business, 

nt  in   spirit ;  serving  the 

Lord. — 

r  Prov,  :  ;:—  The  sub- 
stance of  a  diligent  man  is  pre- 
cious, and  xxi.  20.    Then 

isure  to  be  desired  ;  and  oil 
in  the  dwelling  of  the  wise, 
but  a  foolish  man  spendeth  it 
up.— John  vi.  12. 


u  1  Ccr.  vi.  7.  Now  there- 
fore there  is  utterly  a  fault 
among  you,  because  ye  go  to 
law  one  with  another. 

'•v  Prov.  xi.  15.  He  that  is 
surety  for  a  stranger  shall  smart 
for  it  ;  and  he  thathateth  sure- 
tiship   is  sure.     Prov.  vi.  1 — 5. 

x  Lev.  xxv.  35.  And  if  thy 
brother  be  waxen  poor,  and 
fallen  in  decay  with  thee ;  then 
thou  shalt  relieve  him :  yea, 
though  he  be  a  stranger,  or  a 
sojourner.  Dent.  xxii.  1 — 4. 
Ex.  xxiii.  4,  5.  Phil.  ii.  4.  Look 
n  t  even/  man  on  his  own 
things,  but  every  man  also  en 
the  tilings  of  others. 

y  Prov.  xxiii.  21.  Drowsiness 
shall  clothe  a  man  with  rags.  1 
John  iii.  17.  But  whoso  hath 
this  world's  good,  and  seeth 
his  brother  have  need,  and 
shutteth  up  his  bowels  of  com- 
ri  from  him,  how  dwelleth 
the  love  of  God  in  him  ?  James 
ii.  15,  16. 

iv.  28.    Let  him  that 
stole  steal  no  more. 

\    lxii.   10.     Become  not 
vain  in 

i    1  in.  L  10.    (The  law 
Y2 


258 


The  Larger  Catechism. 


ing  any  thing  that  is  stolen c ;  fraudulent  dealing*, 
ialse  weights  and  measures6,  removing  land- 
marksf,  injustice  and  unfaithfulness  in  contracts 
between  man  and  man  *,  or  in  matters  of  trust h ; 
oppression1,  extortion  k,  usury l,  bribery  m,  vexa- 


is  made)  for  whoremongers, 
for  them  that  defile  themselves 
with  mankind,  for  men-stealers. 
[This  crime  among  the  Jews 
exposed  the  perpetrators  of  it  to 
capital  punishment ;  Ex.  xxi. 
>6.  And  the  apostle  here  classes 
them  with  sinners  of  the  first 
rank. — The  word  he  uses,  in 
its  original  import,  compre- 
hends all  who  are  concerned  in 
bringing  any  of  the  human  race 
into  slavery,  or  in  detaining 
them  in  it.  Hominumfures,  qui 
fervcs  vcl  liberos  abducunt,  re- 
tinent,  vendunt  vel  cmuni. 
Stealers  of  men  are  all  those, 
who  bring  off  slaves  or  freemen, 
and  keep,  sell,  or  buy  them. — 
To  steal  a  freeman,  says  Groti- 
us,  is  the  highest  kind  of  theft. 
In  other  instances  we  only  steal 
human  property,  but  when  we 
steal  or  retain  men  in  slavery, 
we  seize  those,  who  in  common 
with  ourselves,  are  constituted, 
by  the  original  grant,  lords  of 
the  earth.  Gen.  i.  23.  Fid  Poii 
eynofisi?i  in  loc'] 

c  Prov  xxix.  24.  Whoso  is 
partner  with  a  thief,  hateth  his 
own  soul  Ps.  1  18.  When 
thou  sawest  a  thief  then  thou 
consentedst  with  him. 

d  1  Thess.  iv.  6.  That  no 
man  go  beyond  and  defraud  his 
brother  in  any  matter ;  because 
that  the  Lord  is  the  avenger  of 
all  such. 

c  Prov.  xi.  1.  A  false  balance 
is    abomination    to   the   Lord. 


Prov.  xx.  10.  Divers  weights, 
and  divers  measures,  both  of 
them  are  alike  abomination  to 
the  Lord. 

f  Deut.  xix.  14.  Thou  shalt 
not  remove  thy  neighbour's 
land- mark,  which  they  of  old 
time  have  set  in  thine  inherit- 
ance.    Prov.  xxiii.  10. 

8  Amos  viii.  5.  Making  the 
ephah  small,  and  the  shekel 
great,  and  falsifying  the  balan- 
ces by  deceit.  Ps.  xxxvii.  21. 
The  wicked  borroweth,  and 
payeth  not  again. 

h  Luke  xvi.  11.  If  therefore 
ye  have  not  been  faithful  in  the 
unrighteous  mammon,  who  will 
commit  to  your  trust  the  true 
riches  ? 

j  Ez.  xxii.  29.  The  people 
of  the  land  have  used  oppres- 
sion. Lev.  xxv.  17.  Ye  shall  not 
therefore  oppress  one  another  ; 
but  thou  shalt  fear  thy  God. 

k  Matt,  xxiii.  25.  Woe  unto 
you  scribes  and  Pharisees,  hy- 
pocrites :  for  ye  make  clean  the 
outside  of  the  cup  and  of  the 
platter,  but  within  they  are  full 
of  extortion  and  excess.  Ez. 
xxii.  12.  Thou  hast  greedily 
gained  of  thy  neighbours  by 
extortion,  and  hast  forgotten 
me,  saith  the  Lord  God. 

1  Ps.  xv.  5.  He  that  put- 
teth  not  out  his  money  to 
usury. 

m  Job  xv.  34.  Fire  shall  con- 
sume the  tabernacles  of  bribe- 
ry.    Is.  xxxiii.  15. 


The  Larger  Catechism.  259 

tious  law-suits  n,  unjust  inclosures  and  depreda- 
tion ° ;  ingrossing  commodities  to  enhance  the 
price  p,  unlawful  callings9,  and  all  other  unjust  or 
sinful  ways  of  taking  or  withholding  from  our 
neighbour  what  belongs  to  him,  or  of  enriching 
ourselves  r ;  covetousness  s  ;  inordinate  prizing 
and  affecting  worldly  goods x ;  distrustful  and  dis- 
tracting cares  and  studies  in  getting,  keeping  and 
using  them u ;  envying  at  the  prosperity  of 
others  w  :  as  likewise  idleness  x,  prodigality,  waste- 

■   Prov.   iii.   30     Strive   not   and    fro,  of    them    that    seek 
with  a  man  without  cause,   if  death.     Job  xx.  19. 
he  have  done  thee  no  harm.    1        '  Luke  xii.  15.     Take  heed 
Cor*  vi.  7.  and    beware    of    covetousness. 

°  Is.  v.  8.  Woe  unto  them  Prov- Ti'l19-.. 
that  join  house  to  house,  that  c  ,V  .  £  .  Love  not  the 
lay  field  to  field,  till  there  be  worlf  either  the  things  that 
no  place,  that  they  mav  be  are  m  the  **™i  it  any  man 
placed  alone  in  the  midst  of  the  ^ve  the  world,  the  love  of  the 
earth.  Micah  ii.  2.  Thev  covet  father  is  not  in  him,  &c.  Prov. 
fields,  and  take  them  by  vio-  *»"•£■  ps-  )™  10. 
fence;  and  houses,  and  take  ,  u  Matt.  ti.  25.  Take  no 
them  awav.  (anxious)  thought  for  your  life, 

p  Prov.  xi.  26.  He  that  with-  *£*}  fe  shall  eat,  or  what  ye 
holdeth  corn,  the  people  aha!)  ^hi?n  dnnk;  nor  yet  for  your 
rurse  him,  but  blessing  shall  be  °P°f*  *****  >'e  sha]1  Put  nn>  v- 
upon  the  head  of  him  that  ?*■  T  ake  therefore  no  thought 
selleth  it.  *or  tne  morrow;  tor  the  mor- 

a  A    .       .      tn     ,,  .       c  row  shall  take  thoueht  for  the 

tJJ ^  Vu'  19a  Many  a  S7f  ***»&  rf  ^lf3  sufficient  unto 

then,  which  used  curious  arts,  the  day  is  the  evil  thereof  Ec. 

brought  their  books  together  v.   12/  The  abundance  of  the 

and   burned    them    betore    all  rich,  will  not  suffer  him  to  sleep. 

men.  ver.  24.  3J.  w  ps   Kxiii.  %    x  wasenvioia 

r    James    v.    4.     Behold   the  at  the  foolish,  when  I  saw  the 

labourers,  who  hare  prosperity  of  the  wicked.  James 

'  down  your  fields,  which  v.   9.     Grudge  not  one  a* 

u  kept  back   by  fraud,  another,    brethren,  lest   ve  be 

th  ;   and  the  cries  of  *  ned. 

who  have  reaped,  are  entered        x  2  n.-_\\>  hear 

into  tht  I  of  that  I  some,  who  walk 

sabaoth       Prov.    xxi.    6.     The  among  you  disorderly,  working 

getting  of  treasure*  by  a  lying  m  I  at  all,   but  are  busy  bodies. 

tniigu*  .nity  tossed    to  — Prov.  xviii.  9 — 


260  The  Larger  Catechism. 

fill  gaming ;  and  all  other  ways  whereby  we  do 
unduly  prejudice  our  own  outward  estate  y  :  and 
defrauding  ourselves  of  the  due  use  and  comfort 
of  that  estate  which  God  hath  given  us z. 

Q.  143.  Which  is  the  ninth  commandment? 
A.  The  ninth  commandment  is,  Thou  shalt  not 
bear  false  witness  against  thy  neighbour*. 

Q.  144.  What  are  the  duties  required  in  the 
ninth  commandment  ? 

A.  The  duties  required  in  the  ninth  com- 
mandment,  are,  the  preserving  and  promoting 
of  truth  between  man  and  man  b,  and  the  good 
name  of  our  neighbour,  as  well  as  our  own c ;  ap- 
pearing and  standing  for  the  truth d ;  and  from 
the  heart e,  sincerely1,  freely  ff,  clearly  h,  and  fulLy1, 

y  Prov.  xxi.  17.  He  that  of  the  truth  itself;  yea,  and 
loveth  pleasure  shall  be  a  poor  we  also  bear  record,  and  ye 
man  ;  he  that  loveth  wine  and  know  that  our  record  is  true. — 
oil  shall  not  be  rich.  Prov.  xxiii.  d  Prov.  xxxi,  9.  Open  thy 
20.  Be  not  amongst  wine-bib-  mouth,  judge  righteously,  and 
bers  :  amongst  riotous  eaters  plead  the  cause  of  the  poor  and 
of  hVsh  :  for  the  drunkard  and   needy. 

the  glutton  shall  come  to  pover-  e  Ps.  xv.  2.  He  that  walk- 
ty. — Prov.  xxviii   19  eth     uprightly,    and    worketh 

*  Ec.  iv.  8.  There  is  one  righteousness,  and  speaketh  the 
alone  and  there  is  not  a  second ;    truth  in  his  heart—- 

yea,  he  hath  neither  child  nor  /  2    Chr.    xix.    9.    And   he 

brother,  yet  is  there  no  end  of  charged    them,    saying,    Thus 

all  his  labour,  n  ither  is  his  eve  shall  ye  do  m  the  fear  of  the 

satisfied  with  riches;   neither  Lord,    faithfully,    and    with    a 

saith  he,   For  whom  do  I  la-  perfect  heart -- 

hour,  and  bereave  my  soul  of  *  Jer.   ix.  3.— They  are  not 

eood  ?  Ec.  vi.  2.  valiant  for  the  truth  upon  the 

k      ^        '    A  earth. — 1  Sam.  xix.  4,  5. 

*  bx.  xx  10.  b  Jer    xlH    ^...whatsoever 
b  Eph.  iv.  25.     Putting  away  thing   the  Lord    shall  answer 

lying^speak  every  man  truth  you,  1  will  declare  it  unt©  you ; 
with  his  neighbour ;  for  we  are  \  w\\\  keep  nothing  back  from 
members  one  of  another.  vou#    josh.  vii.  19.  Acts  xx.  20. 

c  3  John  12.  Demetrius  hath  ''  Acts  xx.  27.  I  have  not 
a  good  report  of  all  men,  and  shunned  to  declare  unto  you  all 


The  Larger  Catechism.  261 

speaking  the  truth,  and  only  the  truth,  in  matters 
of  judgment  and  justice  k,  and  in  all  other  things 
whatsoever  * :  a  charitable  esteem  of  our  neigh- 
bours m  ;  loving,  desiring,  and  rejoicing  in  their 
good  name n ;  sorrowing  for  °,  and  covering  of 
their  infirmities  p ;  freely  acknowledging  of  their 
gifts  and  graces  q,  defending  their  innocency r ;  a 
ready  receiving  of  a  good  report  \  and  unwilling- 
ness to  admit  of  an  evil  report  concerning  them  *; 
discouraging  tale  bearers u,   flatterers  w,  and  slan- 

the  counsel  of  God. — 2  Sam.  civinusness  which  thev  have 
xiv.  18,  19,  20.  committed.  Psal.  cxix.  158. 

k  Lev.  xix.  15.  Thou  shalt  p  Prov.  xvii.  9.  He  that  co- 
not  respect  the  person  of  the  vereth  a  transgression  seeketh 
poor,  nor  honour  the  persoa  of  love.  1  Pet  iv.  8. 
the  mighty ;  but  in  righteous-  *  1  Cor.  i.  4,  5.  I  thank  my 
ness  shall  thou  judge  thy  neigh-  God  always  on  your  behalf,  for 
bour.  Prov.  xiv.  5.  A  faithful  the  grace  of  God  which  is  giv- 
witness  will  not  lie  :  but  a  false  en  you  by  Jesus  Christ ;  that  in 
witness  will  utter  lies.  every  thing  ye  are  enriched  by 

1  Is.  lxiii.  8. — Surely  they  him,  in  all  utterance,  and  in  all 
are  my  people,  children  that  knowledge.  2  Tim.  i.  4,  5. 
will  not  lie.  Col.  iii.  9.  Lie  not  r  Ps.  lxxxii.  3.  Defend  the 
one  to  another,  seeing  that  ye  poor  and  fatherless  ;  do  justice 
have  put  off  the  old  man  with  to  the  afflicted  and  needy.— 1 
his  deeds.     2  Cor.  i.  17.  Sam.  xxii.  14. 

™  Heb.  vi.  9.  But,  beloved,  we  \  1  Cor.  xiii.  6,  7.  (Charity) 
are  persuaded  better  things  of  rejoiceth  not  in  iniquity,  but 
you,  and  tilings  that  accompany  rejoiceth  in  the  truth — believ- 
salvation,  though  we  thus  speak,  eth  all  things,  hopeth  all  things. 
— 1  Cor.  xiii.  5. — Charity —  c  Ps.  xv.  3.— Nor  taketh  up  a 
thinkcth  no  evil.  reproach  against  his  neighbour. 

n  3  John    3,    4. — I    have    no       ■  Prov.  ixv.    23.    The  north 
greater  joy,  than  to  hear  that    wind    driveth    away   rain ;    so 
my  children  walk  in  the  truth,    doth   an   angry  countenance,  a 
i   8.  back-biting  tongue. 

r.  iii.  21  And  lest  when  w  Prov.  xxvi.  24,  25.  He 
I  come  again,  my  God  will  that  hateth,  dissembleth  with 
humble  me  among  you,  and  his  lips,  and  layeth  up  deceit 
lhaU  bewail  many  who  within  him  :  when  he  speak- 
have  sinned  already,  and  have  eth  fair,  believe  him  not:  for 
not  repented  of  the  unclean-  there  are  seven  abominations 
fornication,  and  las-   in  his  heart. 


262^  The  Larger  Catechism. 

derers  * ;  love  and  care  of  our  own  good  name, 
and  defending  it  when  need  requireth y ;  keeping 
of  lawful  promises x ;  studying  and  practising  of 
whatsoever  things  are  true,  honest,  lovely,  and  of 
good  report a. 

Q.  145.  What  are  the  sins  forbidden  in  the 
ninth  commandment  ? 

A.  The  sins  forbidden  in  the  ninth  command- 
ment are,  all  prejudicing  of  the  truth,  and  the 
good  name  of  our  neighbours  as  well  as  our  own  b, 
especially  in  public  judicature c ;  giving  false  evi- 
dence d,  suborning  false  witnesses e,  wittingly  ap- 
pearing and  pleading  for  an  evil  cause,  out-facing 
and  overbearing  the  truth f ;  passing  unjust  sen- 
tence *9  calling  evil  good,  and  good  evil ;  re- 

■  Ps.  ci.  5.     Whoso  privily  man,  neither  accuse  any  false- 

slandereth   his  neighbour,  him  ly.  2  Sam.  xvi.  3.  2  Sam.  i.  10. 
will  I  cut  off.  c  Lev.  xix.  15.    Ye  shall  do 

y  2  Cor.  xi.  18.  23.  Seeing  no  unrighteousness  in  judg- 
that  many  glory  after  the  flesh,  ment.  Heb.  i.  4. 
I  will  glory  also.  Are  they  d  Prov.  xix.  5.  A  false  wit- 
ministers  of  Christ? — /  am  ness  shall  not  be  unpunished, 
more ;  in  labours  more  abun-  and  he  that  speaketh  lies  shall 
dant,  in  stripes  above  measure,  not  escape.  Prov.  vi.  16.  19. 
&c.  Prov.  xxii.  1.  Acts  xiv.  e  Acts  vi.  13.  And  set  up 
20.  23.  false  witnesses  which  said,  This 

»  Ps.  xv.  4.    He  that  swear-  man  ceaseth  not  to  speak  blas- 

eth  to  his  own  hurt  and  chang-  phemous    words    against    this 

eth  not.  holy  place,  and  the  law. 

a  Phil.  iv.  8.    Finally,  bre-       f  Jer.  ix.  3.    And  they  bend 

thren,   whatsoever   things  are  their  tongues  like   a  bow  for 

true,  whatsoever  things  are  ho-  lies ;  but  they  are  not  valiant 

nest,    whatsoever    things    are  for  the  truth   upon  the  earth, 

just,    whatsoever    things     are  Ps.   xii.  3,  4.    The  Lord  shall 

pure,   whatsoever    things    are  cut  off  the  tongue  that  speak- 

lovely,  whatsoever  things  are  eth  proud    things;    who  have 

of  good  report ;  if  there  be  any  said,  With  our  tongue  will  we 

virtue,  and  if  there  be  any  praise  prevail,  our  lips  are  our  own ; 

think  on  these  things.  who  is  lord  over  us?    Ps.  lii.  1, 

b  Luke  iii.  14.     And  he  said  2,  3,  4.     Acts  xxiv.  2.  5. 
unto  them,  Do  violence  to  no       s   Prov.  xvii.  15.    He  that 


The  Larger  Catechism. 


263 


warding  the  wicked  according  to  the  work  of  the 
righteous,  and  the  righteous  according  to  the 
work  of  the  wicked  h  :  forgery  ',  concealing  the 
truth,  undue  silence  in  a  just  cause  k,  and  holding 
our  peace  when  iniquity  calleth  for  either  a  re- 
proof  from  ourselves  !,  or  complaint  to  others  m  ; 
speaking  the  truth  unseasonably  n,  or  maliciously 
to  a  wrong  end  °,  or  perverting  it  to  a  wrong  mean- 
ing p,  or  in  doubtful  and  equivocal  expression,  to 
the   prejudice   of    truth    or  justice*;    speaking 


justifieth  the  wicked,  and  he 
that  condemneth  the  just,  even 
they  both  are  abomination  to 
the  Lord.     1  Kings  xxi.  9 — 14. 

h  Is.  v.  23.  (Woe  to  them) 
which  justify  the  wicked  for 
reward,  and  take  away  the 
righteousness  of  the  righteous 
from  him. 

1  1  Kings  xxi.  8. 

k  Lev.  v.  1.  And  if  a  soul 
sin,  and  hear  the  voice  of  swear- 
mg,  and  is  a  witness,  whether 
he  hath  seen  or  known  of  it,  if 
he  do  not  utter  it,  then  he  shall 
bear  his  iniquity.  Acts  v.  3. 
Peter  said,  Ananias,  why  hath 
Satan  filled  thine  heart  to  lie 
to  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  to  keep 
back  part  of  the  price  of  the 
land? 

1  Lev.  xix.  17.  Thou  shalt 
>y  wise  rebuke  thy  neigh- 
bour, and  not  suffer  sin  upon 
him.  Is.  lviii.  I.  Cry  aloud, 
spare  not,  lift  up  thy  voice  like 
a  trumpet,  and  shew  my  peo- 
ple their  transgression,  and  the 
house  of  Jacob  their  sins.  1 
Kin^*  i.  6. 

■  Is.  lix.  5.  None  calleth 
for  justice,  nor  any  pleadeth  for 


truth :    they    trust    in    vanity. 

n  Prov.  xxix.  11.  A  fool  ut- 
tereth  all  his  mind :  but  a  wise 
man  keepeth  it  in  till  after- 
wards. 

°  1  Sam.  xxii.  9,  10.  Then 
answered  Doeg  the  Edomite, 
which  was  set  over  the  servants 
of  Saul,  and  said,  I  saw  the  son 
of  Jesse  coming  to  Nob,  to 
Ahimelech  the  son  of  Ahitub ; 
and  he  enquired  of  the  Lord 
for  him;  and  gave  him — the 
sword  of  Goliath  the  Philistine. 
Ps.  Hi.  1,  Why  boastest  thou 
thyself  in  mischief,  O  mighty 
man  ? 

p  Ps.  lvi.  5.  Every  day  they 
wrest  my  words.  Matt.  xxvi. 
60,  61.  At  the  last  came  two 
false  witnesses;  and  said,  This 
fellow  said,  I  am  able  to  de- 
stroy the  temple  of  God,  and 
to  build  it  in  three  days.  (Com- 
pare John  ii.  19.) 

*  Gen.  iii.  5.  God  doth 
know,  that  in  the  day  ye  eat 
thereof,  then  your  eyes  shall 
be  opened  ;  and  ye  shall  be  as 
gods,  knowing  good  and  evil. 
Gen.  xxvi.  7.  9. 


264 


The  Larger  Catechism. 


untruth r,  lying8,  slandering1,  back-biting  u,  de- 
tracting*', tale-bearing*,  whispering  *,  scoffing2, 
reviling  %  rash b,  harsh  c,  and  partial  censuring  d  ; 
misconstruing  intentions,  words  and  actions6; 
flattering f,  vain-glorious  boasting  *,  thinking  or 
speaking  too  highly  or  too  meanly  of  ourselves 
or   others h ;    denying  the  gifts   and   graces   of 


*  Is.  lix.  13.  Conceiving  and 
uttering  from  the  heart,  words 
of  falsehood. 

•  Col.  iii.  9.  Lie  not  one  to 
another,  seeing  that  ye  have 
put  off  the  old  man  with  his 
deeds.     Lev.  xix.  11. 

•  Ps.  1.  20.  Thou  sittest  and 
speakest  against  thy  brother; 
thou  slanderest  thine  own  mo- 
ther's son. 

»  Ps.  xv.  3.  He  that  back- 
biteth  not  with  his  tongue. 
Rom.  i.  30.  Back-biters,  haters 
of  God. 

w  James  iv.  11.  Speak  not 
evil  one  of  another,  brethren. 
"Tit.  iii.  2.  To  speak  evil  of  no 
man.    Jer.  xxxviii.  4. 

*  Lev.  xix.  16.  Thou  shalt 
not  go  up  and  down  as  a  tale- 
bearer among  thy  people. 

y  Rom.  i.  29.  Full  of— deceit, 
malignity,  whisperers.  Pro  v. 
xvi.  28. 

z  Is.  xxviii.  22.  Now  there- 
fore be  ye  not  mockers,  lest 
your  bands  be  made  strong. 
'Gen.  xxi.  9.    Gal.  iv.  29. 

a  1  Cor.  vi.  10. — Nor  drunk- 
ards, nor  revilers, — shall  inherit 
the  kingdom  of  God. 

b  Matt.  vii.  1.  Judge  not,  that 
ye  be  not  judged. 

c  James  ii.  13.  He  shall  have 
judgment  without  mercy,  that 
hath  shewed  no  mercy.  Acts 
xxviii.  4. 

d   John  vii.   24.    Judge   not 


according  to  the  appearance, 
but  judge  righteous  judgment. 
— Rom.  ii.  1.    Gen.  xxxviii.  24. 

e  Rom.  iii.  8.  And  not  rather, 
as  we  be  slanderously  reported, 
and  as  some  affirm,  that  we  say, 
Let  us  do  evil  that  good  may 
come  ;  whose  damnation  is  just. 
Ps.  lxix.  10.  When  I  wept, 
and  chastened  my  soul  with  fast- 
ing, that  was  to  my  reproach. 
1  Sam.  i.  13,  14,  15.  2  Sam. 
iii.  10.    Neh.  vi.  6,  7,  8. 

f  Ps.  12.  2,  3.  With  flat- 
tering lips,  and  with  a  double 
heart  do  they  speak  The 
Lord  shall  cut  off  all  flattering 
lips. 

g  2  Tim.  iii.  2.  For  men  shall 
be  lovers  of  their  ownselves,— 
boasters. 

h  Luke  xviii.  11.  And thePha- 
risee  stood  and  prayed  thus 
with  himself,  God  I  thank  thee, 
that  I  am  not  as  other  men  are, 
extortioners,  unjust,  adulterers, 
or  even  as  this  publican.  Gal.  v, 
26.  Let  us  not  be  desirous  of 
vain  glory,  provoking  one  amo- 
ther,  envying  one  another.  Ex. 
iv.  10.  And  Moses  said  unto 
the  Lord,  O  my  Lord,  I  am 
not  eloquent,  neither  hereto- 
fore, nor  since  thou  hast  spoken 
unto  thy  servant,  but  I  am 
slow  of  speech,  and  of  a  slow 
tongue,  v.  14.  And  the  anger  of 
the  Lord  was  kindled  against 
Moses.    Acts  xii.  22. 


The  Larger  Catechism. 


265 


GodL;  aggravating  smaller  faults  k;  hiding,excusing, 
or  extenuating  of  sins,  when  called  to  a  free  con- 
fession l;  unnecessarily  discovering  of  infirmities  m; 
raising  false  rumours  n,  receiving  and  countenan- 
cing evil  reports  °,  and  stopping  our  ears  against 
just  defence  p  ;  evil  suspicion  q  :  envying  or  griev- 
ing at  the  deserved  credit  of  any  r ;  endeavouring 
or  desiring  to  impair  it  %  rejoicing  in  their  disgrace 
and  infamy  ■ ;  scornful  contempt u,  fond  admira- 


5  Job  xxv ii.  5,  6.  God  forbid 
that  I  should  justify  you;  till  I 
die,  I  will  not  remove  mine  in- 
tegrity from  me.  My  righte- 
ousness I  hold  fast,  and  will  not 
let  it  go:  my  heart  shall  not 
reproach  me  so  long  as  I  live. 

k  Is.  xxix.  20,  21.  All  that 
watch  for  iniquity  are  cut  off: 
that  make  a  man  an  offender 
for  a  word.     Matt.  vii.  3. 

1  Gen.  ili.  12,  13.  And  the 
man  said,  The  woman,  whom 
thou  gavest  to  be  with  me,  she 
gave  me  of  the  tree,  and  I  did 
eat,  And  the  woman  said,  The 
serpent  beguiled  me,  and  I  did 
eat.  Prov.  xxviii.  13.  He  that 
covereth  his  sins  shall  not  pros- 
per.   2  Kings  v.  25.  Gen.  iv.  9. 

m  Prov.  xxv.  9.  Debate  thy 
i  cause  with  thy  neigh  hour  him- 
self ;  and  discover  not  a  secret 
to  another.    Gen.  ix.  22. 

n  Ex.  xxiii.  1.  Thou  shalt 
|  not  raise  a  false  report 

°  Jer.  xx.  10.  I  heard  the 
defaming  of  many,  Report, 
my  thcy>  and  w<  ort  it. 

All  my  familiars  watched  for 
my  halting,  saying,  Peradvrn- 
ture  he  will  be  enticed,  and 
we  shall  |  tinst  him, 

and  we  shall  take  our  revenge 
i  n  him.     Prov.  xxix 

p   Acts  vii.  57.     Then  they 


cried  out  with  a  loud  voice  and 
stopped  their  ears.  Job  xxxi.  13, 
14.  If  I  did  despise  the  cause 
of  my  man-servant,  or  of  my 
maid-servant  when  they  con- 
tended with  me :  what  then 
shall  I  do  when  God  riseth  up  ? 
and  when  he  visiteth,  what 
shall  I  answer  him  ? 

i  1  Cor.  xiii.  5.  Charity — 
thinketh  no  evil.     1  Tim.  vi.  4. 

'  Matt.  xxi.  15.  And  when 
the  chief  priests  and  scribes  saw 
the  wonderful  things  that  he 
did,  and  the  children  crying  in 
the  temple,  and  saying,  Hosanna 
to  the  son  of  David  '  they  were 
sore  displeased.     Num   si.  29. 

*  Dan.  vi.  3,  4.  Then  this 
Daniel  was  preferred  above  the 
presidents  and  princes , — Then 
the  presidents  and  princes 
sought  to  find  occasion  against 
Danielconcerning  the  kingdom. 
Ezra  iv.  12,  13. 

r  Jer.  xlviii.  27.     For  was  not 

Israel  a  derision  unto  thee  ?  was 

he  found   among  thieves  ;    fi  r 

since  thou  spakest  of  him,  thou 

for  joy. 

.   L9.     And 

stripped  him,   and  pi 

him  a  scarlet  robe.    And  when 

\  n   of 

thorns,   they    put    it    upon   his 

and  a  reed  in  his  right 


266  The  Larger  Catechism. 

tion  w  ;  breach  of  lawful  promises  * ;  neglecting 
such  things  as  are  of  good  report y ;  and  practising 
or  not  avoiding  ourselves,  or  not  hindering  what 
we  can  in  others,  such  things  as  procure  an  ill 
name z. 

Q.  146.  Which  is  the  tenth  commandment  ? 

A.  The  tenth  commandment  is,  Thou  shalt  not 
covet  thy  neighbour's  house,  thou  shalt  not  covet 
thy  neighbour's  wife,  nor  his  man-servant,  nor  his 
maid-servant,  nor  his  ox,  nor  his  ass,  nor  any  thing 
that  is  thy  neighbour's  \ 

Q*  147.  What  are  the  duties  required  in  the 
tenth  commandment? 

A.  The  duties  required  in  the  tenth  command- 
ment are,  such  a  full  contentment  with  our  own 
condition b,  and  such  a  charitable  frame  of  the 
whole  soul  towards  our  neighbour,  as  that  all  our 
inward  motions  and  affections  touching  him,  tend 
unto  and  further  all  that  good  which  is  his  c. 

hand,  and  they  bowed  the  knee  mies  of  the  cross  of  Christ: 

before  him,  and  mocked  him,  whose  end  is  destruction,  whose 

saying,  Hail  King  of  the  Jews!  god  is  their  belly,  and  whose 

Ps.  xxxv.  15,  16.  glory  is  in  their  shame,  who 

w  1  Cor  iiL  21.    Let  no  man  mind  earthly  things.     2  Pet.  ii. 

glory  in  men. — Jude  16.     Hav-  2.  And  many  shall  follow  their 

ing  mens'  persons  in   admira-  pernicious  ways,  by  reason   of 

tion,  because   of  advantage. —  whom  the  way  of  truth  shall  be 

Acts  xii.  22.  evil  spoken  of.     2  Sam.  xii.  13. 

x  Rom.   i.   31.     Without  un-  a  Ex.  xx.  17. 

derstanding,  covenant-breakers.  b  Heb.  xiii.  5.    Let  your  con- 

2  Tim.  iii.  3.  versation  be  without  covetous- 

y  2  Sam.  xii.  14,     Thou  hast  ness,  and  be  content  with  such 

given  great  occasion  to  the  ene-  things  as  ye  have  ;  for  he  hath 

mies  of  the  Lord  to  blaspheme,  said,  1  will  never  leave  thee. 

1  Sam.  ii.  24.  1  Tim.  vi.  6. 

z  Phil.  iii.  18,  19.    For  many  c  Rom.  xii.  15.    Rejoice  with 

walk,  of  whom  I  have  told  you  them  that  do  rejoice,  and  weep 

often,   and  now  tell  you  even  with  them  that  weep.   Phil.  ii. 

weeping,  that  they  are  the  ene-  4.    Look  not  every  man  on  his 


The  Larger  Catechism.  267 

Q.  148.  What  are  the  sins  forbidden  in  the 
tenth  commandment? 

A.  The  sins  forbidden  in  the  tenth  command- 
ment are,  discontentment  with  our  own  estates'1  ; 
envying c,  and  grieving  at  the  good  of  our  neigh- 
bour', together  with  all  inordinate  motions  and 
affections  to  any  thing  that  is  his  s. 

Q.  149.  Is  any  man  able  perfectly  to  keep  the 
commandments  of  God? 

A.  No  man  is  able,  either  of  himself h,  or  by 
any  grace  received  in  this  life,  perfectly  to  keep 
the  commandments  of  God  ! ;  but  doth  daily  break 
them  in  thought  k,  word  and  deed  '. 

own  things,  but  every  man  also  his  field,  or  his  man-servant,  or 

on   the  things  of  others.     Job  his  maid-servant,  his  ox,  or  his 

xxxi.  29.     1  Tim.  i.  v.  ass,  or   any  thing   that   is  thy 

d  1  Cor.  x.  10.  Neither  neighbour's  Col.  iii.  5.  Mortify 
murmur  ye,  as  some  of  them  — inordinate  affection,  evil  con- 
also  murmured,  and  were  de-  cupiscence,  and  covetousr.ess, 
stroyed  of  the  destroyer.  1  which  is  idolatry.  Rom.  xiii.  9. 
Kings  xxi.  4.  h  James  iii.  2.  "In  manv  things 

e   Gal.  v.  26.     L?t  us  not  be  we  cfltnd  all.  Job  xv   14.  What 

desirous  of  vain-glory,  provok-  is  man,  that  he  should  be  clean? 

ing  one   another,  envying   one  and  he  which  is  born  of  a  wc- 

another.     Jam.  iii.  14 'l6.     But  man,  that  he  shculd  be  righte- 

if  ye   have  bitter  envying   and  oua?  John  xv.  5.   Without  me 

strife  in  your  hearts,  glory  not ;  ye  can  do  nothing. 

and    lie   not  against  the  truth.  j  Ec.  vii.  20.    There  is  not  a 

For  where  envying  and  strife  is,  just  man  upon  earth,  that  doeth 

there  is  contusion,  and   every  good,  and  sinneth  not.    1  Kings 

evil  work.  viii.   46.     For  there  is  no  man 

*   Ps.   cxii.   9,  10.     His   horn  that  sinneth  net.  1  John  i   8.  If 

shall   be   exalted   with  honour,  we  say  that  we  have  no  on,  we 

1  he  wicked  shall  see  it,  and  be  deceive  ourselves,  and  the  truth 

grieved.     Neh.  ii   10.  is  not  in  us. 

«    Horn.    vii.    7.     I    had    not  k  Gen    viii.  21.     The  imairi- 

known  sin  but  by  the  n    of   man's   heart   is  evil 

I  had  not  known    lust  from    his    youth.     James  i.    14. 

-  had  said,  Thou  shalt  Every  man  i.-.  tempted,  when 

vet.     Deut  v.  21     Nei-  he   ii                                s  ovn 

therahalt  thou  desire  thy  neigh-  lust  and  enticed . "  Gen.  vi.  5. 

hour's  wile,  neither  shalt  I  in  letter  \ 

covet   thy    neighbour's    house,  '  Ps.  xix.  12,     Who  can  un- 


268  The  Larger  Catechism. 

Q.  150.  Are  all  transgressions  of  the  law  of  God 
equally  heinous  in  themselves,  and  in  the  sight  of 
God?  * 

A.  All  transgressions  of  the  law  of  God  are  not 
equally  heinous  ;  but  some  sins  in  themselves,  and 
by  reason  of  several  aggravations,  are  more  hei- 
nous in  the  sight  of  God  than  others  m. 

Q.  151.  What  are  those  aggravations  that  make 

some  sins  more  heinous  than  others  ? 
A.  Sins  receive  their  aggravations, 
1.   From  the  persons  offending" :  If  they  be 

of  riper  age  °,    greater  experience,   or    grace p  ; 

eminent  for  profession*1,  gifts r,  place9,  office1, 

demand    his    errors  ?   cleanse  are  not  always  wise,  neither  do 

thou    me    from    secret   faults,  the  aged  understand  judgment. 

Rom.  iii.  9.    We  have   before  — Ec.  iv.  13. 

proved  both  Jews  and  Gentiles,  p    1   Kings  xi.  9.     And  the 

that  they  are  all  under  sin — and  Lord  was  angry  with  Solomon, 

v.   19. — Every  mouth  may  be  because  his  heart  was  turned 

stopped,  and  all  the  world  may  from  the  Lord  God   of  Israel, 

become     guilty    before      God.  which  had  appeared  unto  him 

James  iii.  2.  In  many  things  we  twice. 

offend  all — v.  8.     The  tongue  *  2  Sam.  xii.  14.  By  this  deed 

can  no  man  tame ;  it  is  an  un-  thou  hast  given  great  occasion 

rtfty  evil,  full  of  deadly  poison,  to  the  enemies  of  the  Lord  to 

*  Heb.  ii.  2,  3.     If  the  word  blaspheme.     1  Cor  v.  1. 

spoken  by  angels  was  stedfast,  r  Jam.  iv.  17-    To  him  that 

and  every  transgression  anddis-  knoweth  to  do  good,  and  doeth 

obedience   received  a  just  re-  it  not,  to  him  it  is  sin.     Luke 

compence  of  reward :  how  shall  xii.  47.     That  servant,  which 

we   escape    if   we    neglect  so  knew  his  lord's  will,  and  pre- 

great  salvation,  which   at  the  pared   not  himself,  neither  did 

first  began  to  be  spoken  by  the  according  to  his  will,  shall  be 

Lord  ?  Ezra  ix.  14.    Ps.  lxxviii.  beaten  with  many  stripes. 

17.  32.  56  $  John  iii.  10.  Jesus  answered 

n  Jer.  ii.  8.    The  priests  said  and  said  unto  him,  Art  thou  a 

not,  Where  is  the  Lord  ?  and  master  of  Israel,  and  knowest 

they  that  handle  the  law  knew  not  these  things  ?  Jer.  v.  4,  5. 

me'not;  the  pastors  also  trans-  c  2  Sam.   xii.  7,  8,  9.     And 

gressed    against    me,    and  the  Nathan  said  unto  David,  Thou 

prophets  prophesied  by  Baal  art  the  man.    Thus  saith  the 

°  Job  xxxii.  9.     Great  men  Lord  God  of  Israel,  I  anointed 


The  Larger  Catechism* 


269 


guides  to  others  u,  and  whose  example  is  likely  to 
be  followed  by  others  w. 

2.  From  the  parties  offended  x :  If  immediately 
against  God f9  his  attributes  z  and  worship  a ; 
against  Christ,  and  his  grace  b ;  the  Holy  Spirit0, 
his  witness d,  and  workings  e ;  against  superiors, 


thee  king  over  Israel, — and  I 
gave  thee  thy  master' s  house  : 
— Wherefore  hast  thou  despised 
the  commandment  of  the  Lord 
to  do  evil  in  his  sight  ?  Ez.  viii. 
11,  12. 

■  Horn.  ii.  21,  22.  24.  Thou 
therefore  who  teachest  another, 
teachest  thou  not  thyself?  Thou 
that  preachest  a  man  should  not 
steal,  dost  thou  steal  ?  Thou 
that  sayest  a  man  should  not 
commit  adultery,  dost  thou  com- 
mit adultery  ?— For  the  name 
of  God  is  blasphemed  among 
the  Gentiles  through  you. 

w  Gal  ii.  14  But  when  I 
saw  that  they  walked  not  up- 
rightly, according  to  the  truth 
of  the  gospel,  1  said  unto  Peter 
before  them  all,  If  thou  being 
a  Jew,  livest  after  the  manner 
of  the  Gentiles,  and  not  as  do 
the  Jews,  why  compellest  thou 
the  Gentiles  to  live  as  do  the 
Jews  ?  2  Pet.  i.  2. 

*  1  John  v.  10.  He  that  be- 
lie veth  on  the  Son  of  God  hath 
the  \\  imself:  He  that 

believeth  not  God  hath  made 
him  a  liar,  because,  lie  believeth 
not  the  record  that  God  gave  of 
his  S  .39. 

f  1  S  5,     If  one  man 

sin  against  another,  the  judge 
shall  judge  him  :  but  if  a  man 
sin  against  the  Lord,  who  shall 
entreat    for    him?    Acts    < 

•  not  lied  unto  men, 
but  unto  God. 


z  Rom.  ii.  4.  Or  despisest 
thou  the  riclus  of  his  goodness, 
and  forbearance,  and  long-suf- 
fering, not  knowing  that  the 
goodness  of  God  leadeth  thee 
to  repentance  ? 

a  Mai.  i  14.  Cursed  be  the 
deceiver,  which  hath  in  Ids 
flock  a  male,  and  voweth  and 
sacrificeth  unto  the  Lord  a  cor- 
rupt thing.  1  Cor.  x.  21,  22. 
Ye  cannot  be  partakers  of  the 
Lord's  table,  and  of  the  table 
of  devils.  Do  we  provoke  the 
Lord  to  jealousy  ?  are  we  stron- 
ger than  he  ? 

b  John  iii.  18.  He  that  be- 
lieveth not  is  condemned  alrea- 
dy, because  he  hath  not  believ- 
ed in  the  name  of  the  only  be- 
gotten Son  of  God — verse  36. 
He  that  believeth  not  the  Son 
shall  not  see  life,  but  the  wrath 
of  God  abideth  on  him      Heb. 

c  Heb  x.  29.  Of  how  much 
sorer  punishment,  suppose  ye, 
shall    lie    he    th  rthy, 

who  hath  trodden  under  foot 
the  Son  of  God,  and  hath  done 
despite  untothe  Spirit  of  Grace  ? 
Matt.  xii.  31,  32. 

rt  Eph.  iv  30.  And  grieve 
not   the    Holy    S] 

staled  unto  the 

f   redemption. 

Heb  vi.  4,5,6  For  it  is  im- 

ie  who  were 

'!. — and    were    made 

>t;— 


270  The  Larger  Catechism. 

men  of  eminency f,  and  such  as  we  stand  especi- 
ally related  and  engaged  unto  * ;  against  any  of 
the  saints h,  particularly  weak  brethren  \  the  souls 
of  them  or  any  other  k ;  and  the  common  good  of 
all  or  of  many  l. 

3.  From  the  nature  and  quality  of  the  of- 
fence m  :  If  it  be  against  the  express  letter  of  the 
law n,  break  many  commandments,  contain  in 
it  many  sins  ° :  If  not  only  conceived  in  the 
heart,  but  breaks  forth  in  words  and  actions p, 
scandalize   others q,    and    admit   of    no    repara- 

if  they  shall  fall  away,  to  renew  both  killed  the  Lord  Jesus,  and 

them  again  unto  repentance.  their  own  prophets,  and  have 

f   Num.  xii.  8.     Wherefore  persecuted  us— to  fill  up  their 

then  were  ye  not  afraid  to  speak  sins   alway  ;   for  the  wrath  is 

against  my  servant   Moses  ? —  come  upon  them,  to  the  utter- 

Jude  8.     Is.  iii.  5.  most.    Matt,  xxiii.  34 — 38. 

*  Prov.  xxx.   17.    The   eye  m   Is    iii.   9.     They  declare 

that  mocketh  at  his  father,  and  their  sin  as  Sodom,  they  hide 

despise th  to  obey  his  mother,  it  not.     Prov.  vi.  30 — 33. 

the  ravens  of  the  valley  shall  n    Ez.    xx.    12,    13.     I   gave 

pick  it  out,  and  the  young  ea-  them  my  sabbaths,  to  be  a  sign 

gles  shall  eat  it.  Ps.  xli.  9.  Yea,  between    me    and    them — and 

mine   own    familiar   friend,   in  my  sabbaths  they  greatly  pol- 

whom  I  trusted,  which  did  eat  luted. 

of  my  bread,  hath  lifted  up  his  °  Ccl.  iii.  5.  Mortify  there- 
heel  against  me.  Ps.  lv.  12 — 14.  fore  your  members  which  are 

h  Zech.  ii.  8.  He  that  touch-  upon    the   earth;     fornication, 

eth  you,  tcucheth  the  apple  of  uncleanness,    inordinate    affec- 

his  eye.  tion,    evil    concupiscence,   and 

1    1   Cor.  viii.  11,   12.     And  covetousness,  which  is  idolatry, 

through    thy    knowledge   shall  1  Tim.  vi.  10. 

the   weak   brother   perish,  for  p  Micahii.  1,2.  Woe  to  them 

whom  Christ  died  ?  But  when  that  devise  iniquity,  and  work 

ye  sin  so  against  the  brethren,  evil  upon  their  beds ;  when  the 

and    wound    their    weak    con-  morning  is  light,  they  practice 

science,  ye  sin  against  Christ,  it,  because  it  is  in  the  power 

Rom.  xiv   13  15.21.  of  their  hand.    And  they  covet 

k  Ez.   xiii    19.     And  will  ye  fields,   and  take  them  by   vio- 

pollute  me  among  my  people  lence. 

'for  handfuls  of  barley,  and  for  *    Rom.    ii.    23,    24.      Thou 

pieces  of  bread,  to  slay  the  souls  that   nrukest  thy  boast  of  the 

that  should  not  die?  law,  through  breaking  the  law 

'1   Thess   ii.   15,16.    Who  dishonoured  thou  God  ?  For  the 


The  Larger  Catechism. 


271 


tion1:  If  against  means',  mercies1,  judgments,  light 
of  nature  w,  conviction  of  conscience  x,  public  or 
private  admonition y,  censures  of  the  church2,  civil 
punishments8;  and  our  pray ers,purposes,promisesb3 


name  of  God  is  blasphemed 
among  the  Gentiles  through 
you,  as  it  is  written.  Matt. 
xv in.  7. 

r  Prov.  ix.  32,  33,  34.  But 
whoso  commftteth  adultery'  with 
a  woman — a  wound  and  disho- 
nour shall  he  get,  and  his  re- 
proach shall  not  be  wiped  away. 
For  jealousy  is  the  rage  of  a 
man ;  therefore  he  will  not 
spare  in  the  day  of  vengeance. 
He  will  not  regard  any  ransom. 
Matt.  xv.  26.  What  is  a  man 
profited,  if  he  shall  gain  the 
whole  world,  and  lose  his  own 
soul  ?  or  what  shall  a  man  give 
in  exchange  for  his  soul? 

'■  Man-  xi  21,  22.  Woe 
unto  thee,  Chorazin,  woe  unto 
thee,  Bethsaida,  for  if  the 
mighty  works  which  were  done 
in  you,  had  been  dene  in  Tyre 
,  they  would  have  re- 
pented long  ago  in  sackcloth 
and  ashes.  But  I  say  unto  you, 
It  shall  be  more  tolerable  for 
Tyre  and  Sidon  at  the  day  of 
judgment,  than  for  you.  v.  23, 
24.     John  xv.  22 

:  Deut.  xxxii  6.  Do  ye  thus 
te  the  Lord,  O  foolish  peo- 
ple and  unwise  ?  Is  not  he  thy 
th  bought  thee  ? 
de  thee,  and  cs- 

.  hed  thee  >  Is.  i.  2,  3. 
Ezra  ix.  13,  14. 

u  Jer.  v.  3.    O  Lord,  are  not 

thine    eyes    upon    the    truth  ; 

.    hast  stricken  them,  but 

they   have-    not    grieved;    thou 

imed  them,  but  they 

have  refused  to  receive  correc- 


tion :  they  have  made  their 
faces  harder  than  a  rock,  they 
have  refused  to  return.  Amos 
iv.  8—11. 

w  Rom.  i.  20,  21.  For  the 
invisible  things  of  him  from  the 
creation  of  the  world,  are  clear- 
ly seen,  being  understood  by  the 
things  that  are  made,  even  his 
eternal  power  and  Godhead; 
so  that  they  are  without  excuse. 

x  Rom.  i.  32.  Who  know- 
ing the  judgment  of  God,  that 
they  who  commit  suck  things 
are  worthy  of  death,  not  only 
do  the  same,  but  have  pleasure 
in  them  that  do  them.  Dan.  v. 
22. 

>  Prov.  xxix.  1.  He  that  be- 
ing cften  reproved,  hardeneth 
his  neck,  shall  suddenly  be  de- 
stroyed, and  that  without  re- 
medy. 

x  Matt,  xviii.  17.  If  he  neg- 
lect to  hear  the  church,  let  him 
be  unto  thee  as  an  heathen  man 
and  a  publican.     Tit  iii.  10. 

a  Prov.  xxvii.  22  Though  thou 
shouldst  bray  a  fool  in  a  mortar 
among  wheat  with  a  pestle, 
yet  will  not  his  foolishness  de- 
part from  him. 

b  Ps.  Ixxviii.  34  36,  37.  When 
he  Blew  them,  then  they  sought 
him  ;  and  they  returned,  and 
enquired  early  after  God.  Ne- 
vertheless, they  did  flatter  him 
with  their  mouth,  and  they  lied 
unto  him  with  their  tongues, 
for  their  heart  was  not  right 
with  him,  neither  were  they 
stedfast  in  his  covenant.  Jer. 
xlii  5,  6,  2< 


£72 


The  Larger  Catechism. 


vows  %  covenants  d,  and  engagements  to  God  or 
men e  :  If  done  deliberately  f,  wilfully  &,  presump- 
tuously h,  impudently  \  boastingly  k,  maliciously1, 
frequently  m,  obstinately  ",  with  delight  °,  continu- 
ance p,  or  relapsing  after  repentance  <*. 


c  Ec.  v.  5.  Better  it  is  that 
thou  shouldcst  not  vow,  than 
that  thou  sbouldest  vow  and 
and  not  pay.  Prov.  xx.  25.  It 
is  a  snare  to  the  man  who  de- 
voureth  that  which  is  holy,  and 
after  vows  to  make  enquiry. 

d  Lev.  xxvi.  25.  And  1  will 
bring  a  sword  upon  you,  that 
shall  avenge  the  quarrel  of  my 
covenant.     Jer.  xxxi.  32. 

e  Prov.  ii  17.  Which  for- 
saketh  the  guide  of  her  youth, 
and  forgeteth  the  covenant  of 
her  God.  Ez.  xvii.  18  Seeing 
he  despised  the  oath,  by  break- 
ing the  covenant  (when  lo,  he 
had  given  his  hand)  and  hath 
done  all  these  things,  he  shall 
not  escape. 

f  Ps.  xxxvi.  4.  He  deviseth 
mischief  upon  his  bed,  he  set- 
teth  himself  in  a  way  that  is  not 
good,  he  abhorreth  not  evil. 

g  Jer.  vi.  16.  Thus  saith  the 
Lord,  Stand  ye  in  the  ways, 
and  see,  and  ask  for  the  old 
paths,  where  is  the  good  way 
and  walk  therein,  and  ye  shall 
find  rest  for  your  souls ;  but 
they  said,  We  will  not  walk 
therein. 

h  Num.  xv.  30.  But  the  soul 
that  doeth  aught  presumptu- 
ously, whether  he  be  born  in  the 
land,  or  a  stranger,  the  same 
reproacheth  the  Lord ;  and 
that  soul  shall  be  cut  off  from 
among  his  people.    Ex.  xxi.  14, 

1  Jer.  vi.  15.  Were  they 
ashamed  when  they  had  com- 


mitted abomination  ?  nay,  they 
were  not  at  all  ashamed,  nei- 
ther could  they  blush,  therefore 
shall  they  fall  among  them  that 
fall.     Prov.  vii.  13. 

k  Ps.  lii.  1.  Why  boastest 
thou  thyself  in  mischief,  O 
mighty  man  ? 

1  Ez.  xxxv.  5.  Because  thou 
hast  had  a  perpetual  hatred, 
and  hast  shed  the  blood  of  the 
children  of  Israel  by  the  force 
of  the  sword,  in  the  time  of 
their  calamity,  in  the  time  that 
their  iniquity  had  an  end : 
Therefore,  as  I  live,  saith  the 
Lord  God,  1  will  prepare  thee 
unto  blood.     3  John  10. 

m  Num.  xiv.  22.  And  have 
tempted  me  now  these  ten 
times,  and  have  not  hearkened 
to  my  voice. 

»  Zech.  vii  11,  12.  But  they 
refused  to  hearken,  and  pulled 
away  the  shoulder,  and  stopped 
their  ears,  that  they  should  not 
hear.  Yea,  they  made  their 
hearts  as  an  adamant  stone. 

°  Prov.  ii.  14.  Who  rejoice 
to  do  evil,  and  delight  in  the 
frowardness  of  the  wicked. 

p  Jer.  ix.  3.  They  proceed 
from  evil  to  evil,  and  they 
know  not  me,  saith  the  Lord, 
v.  5.  And  weary  themselves  to 
commit  iniquity.     Is.  lvii.  17. 

<]  2  Pet.  ii.  20,  21.  For  if 
after  they  have  escaped  the  pol- 
lutions of  the  world,  through 
the  knowledge  of  the  Lord  and 
Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  they  are 


The  Larger  Catechism. 


273 


4.  From  circumstances  of  time  r,  and  place  s : 
If  on  the  Lord's  day l,  or  other  times  of  divine 
worship u ;  or  immediately  before  w,  or  after  these  x, 
or  other  helps  to  prevent  or  remedy  such  mis- 
carriages y  :  If  in  public,  or  in  the  presence  of 
others,  who  are  thereby  likely  to  be  provoked  or 
defiled  z. 


again  entangled  therein,  and 
overcome :  the  latter  end  is 
worse  with  them  than  the  be- 
ginning. For  it  had  been  bet- 
ter for  them  not  to  have  known 
the  way  of  righteousness,  than 
after  they  have  known  it,  to 
turn  from  the  holy  command- 
ment delivered  unto  them. 
Heb.  vi.  4. 

r  Is.  xxii.  12,  13.  And  in 
that  day  did  the  Lord  God  of 
hosts  call  to  weeping  and  to 
mourning,  and  to  baldness,  and 
to  girding  with  sackcloth  :  And 
behold  joy  and  gladness,  slay- 
ing oxen,  and  killing  sheep, 
eating  flesh,  and  drinking  wine. 
v.  14.  Surely  this  iniquity  shall 
not  be  purged  from  you,  till  ye 
die,  saith  the  Lord  God  of 
hosts.     2  Kings  v.  26. 

1  Jer.  vii.  10,  11.  And  come 
and  stand  before  me  in  this 
house,  which  is  called  by  my 
name,  and  say,  We  are  deli- 
vered to  do  all  these  abomina- 
tions? Is  this  house,  which  is 
called  by  my  name,  become  a 
den   of   robbers   in  your  eyes? 

c  Ex  xxiii.  38,  '39.  They 
have  defiled  my  sanctuary  in 
the  same  day,  and  have  pro- 
faned my  sabbaths. 

u  Is.  lviii.  3,  4.  Behold  in  the 
day  of  your  fast  ye  find  plea- 
sure, and  exact  ill  your  labours. 


Behold  ye  fast  for  strife  and  de- 
bate, and  to  smite  with  the  fist 
of  wickedness. 

w  1  Cor.  xi.  20,  21.  When 
ye  come  together  therefore  into 
one  place,  this  is  not  to  eat  the 
Lord's  supper.  For  in  eating, 
every  one  taketh  before  other, 
his  own  supper;  and  one  is 
hungry,  and  another  is  drunk- 
en. Jer.  vii.  9, 10.  Will  ye  steal, 
murder — and  come  and  stand 
before  me  in  this  house  ? 

x  Prov.  vii.  14.  I  have  peace- 
offerings  with  me ;  this  day 
have  I  paid  my  vows.  There- 
fore came  I  forth  to  meet  thee, 
diligently  to  seek  thy  face,  and 
I  have  found  thee. 

>  Neh.  ix.  13,  14,  15,  16. 
Thou  earnest  down  also  upon 
mount  Sinai — and  madest 
known  unto  them  thy  holy 
sabbath — and  eavest  them  bread 
from  heaven  for  their  hunger, 
and  broughtest  forth  water  for 
them  out  of  the  rock  for  their 
thirst — but  they  and  our  fathers 
dealt  proudly,  and  hardened 
their  necks,  and  hearkened  not 
to  thy  commandments.  2  Chr. 
xxxvi.  15,  16 

1  Is.  iii.  9.  They  declare 
their  sin  as  Sodom,  they  hide  it 
not  :  woe  unto  their  soul,  for 
they   have  rewarded  evil   unto 


274  The  Larger  Catechism. 

Q.  152.  What  doth  every  sin  deserve  at  the 
hands  of  God  ? 

A.  Every  sin,  even  the  least,  being  against  the 
sovereignty  %  goodness  b  and  holiness  of  God c, 
and  against  his  righteous  Jawd,  deserveth  his 
wrath  and  curse6,  both  in  this  life f,  and  that 
which  is  to  come  * ;  and  cannot  be  expiated  but 
by  the  blood  of  Christ h. 

Q.  153.  What  doth  God  require  of  us,  that  we 
may  escape  his  wrath  and  curse  due  to  us  by  rea- 
son of  the  transgression  of  the  law  ? 

A.   That  we  may  escape  the  wrath  and  curse 

a  Jam.  ii.  10,  11.    Whosoever  are  of  the  works  of  the  law, 

shall  keep  the  whole  law,  and  are  under  the  curse :   for  it  is 

yet  offend   in  one  point  he   is  written,  Cursed  is  every  one  that 

guilty  of  all.    For  he  that  said,  continueth    not    in    all    things 

Do  not  commit  adultery ;  said  which  are  written  in  the  book  of 

also,  Do  not  kill.  the  law  to  do  them.   Eph.  v.  6. 

b  Deut.  xxxii.  6.    Do  ye  thus       f  Deut.  xxviii.  v.  15.  to  the 

requite  the  Lord,  O  foolish  peo-  end.    But  it  shall  come  to  pass, 

pie  and  unwise  ?   Is  not  he  thy  if  thou  wilt  not  hearken  unto 

father  that  hath  bought  thee  ?  the  voice  of  the  Lord  thy  God, 

hath   he  not    made  thee,  and  to  observe  to  do  all  his  com- 

established  thee?  mandments  and   his    statutes, 

c  Hab.    i.    13.     Thou  art  of  which    1   command  thee    this 

purer  eyes  than  to  behold   evil,  day ;  that  all  these  curses  shall 

and  canst  not  look  on  iniquity  ;  come  upon  thee,  and  overtake 

wherefore    look  est    thou    upon  thee,  8cc.     Prov.  xiii.  21. 
them  that  deal  treacherously?       s    Matt.    xxv.    14.      Depart 

1  Pet.  i.   15,  16.     As  he  which  from  me,  ye  cursed,  into  ever- 

hath  called  you  is  holy,  so  be  lasting  fire,  prepared  for  the 

ye  holy  in  all  manner  of  con-  devil  and  his  angels.    Rom.  vi. 

versation :   Because  it  is  writ-  21.    The  end  of  those  things  is 

ten,  Be  ye  holy,  for  I  am  holy,  death,  v.   23.     The  wages  of 

Lev.  xi.  45.  sin  is  death. 

d  1  John  iii.  4.  Whosoever  h  Heb.  be.  22.  And  almost 
committeth  sin,  tr  insgresseth  all  things  are  by  the  law  purged 
also  the  law ;  for  sin  is  the  with  blood ;  and  without  shed- 
transgression  of  the  law.  Rom.  ding  of  blood,  is  no  remission, 
vii.  12.  The  law  is  holy,  and  1  John  i.  7.  And  the  blood 
the  commandment  holy,  and  of  Jesus  Christ  his  Son  clean- 
just,  and  good.  seth  us  from  all  sin.     1  Pet,  t< 

e  Gal.  iii,  1.0.  For  as  many  as  18,  19. 


The  Larger  Catechism.  275 

of  God  due  to  us  by  reason  of  the  transgression  of 
the  law,  he  requireth  of  us  repentance  towards 
God,  and  faith  towards  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  \ 
and  the  diligent  use  of  the  outward  means  where- 
by Christ  communicateth  to  us  the  benefits  of 
his  mediation  k. 

Q.  154.  What  are  the  outward  means  whereby 
Christ  communicateth  to  us  the  benefits  of  his  me- 
diation ? 

A.  The  outward  and  ordinary  means,  whereby 
Christ  communicates  to  his  church  the  benefits 
of  his  mediation,  are  all  his  ordinances ;  especially 
the  word,  sacraments,  and  prayer  ;  all  which  are 
made  effectual  to  the  elect  for  their  salvation '. 

Q.  155.  How  is  the  word  made  effectual  to  sal- 
vation  ? 

A.  The  Spirit  of  God  maketh  the  reading,  but 

1  Acts  xx.  21.  Testifying  to  enter  in,  and  shall  not  be 
both    to  the  Jews,    and  also  to   able. 

the  Greeks,  repentance  towards  l  Matt,  xxviii.  19,  20.  Go  ye 
God,  and  faith  towards  our  therefore  and  teach  all  nations, 
Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Mark  i.  15.  baptizing  them  in  the  name  of 
Repent  ye,  and  believe  the  gos-  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and 
pel.  John  iii.  18.  He  that  be-  of  the  Holy  Ghost ;  teaching 
lieveth  on  him  is  not  condemn-  them  to  observe  all  things 
ed:  but  he  that  believeth  not,  whatsoever  I  have  commanded 
is  condemned  already,  because  you,  and  lo,  I  am  with  you  al- 
he  hath  not  believed  in  the  way  even  unto  the  end  of  the 
name  of  the  only  begotten  Son  w  ;rld.  Acts  ii.  42.  46.  And  they 
of  God.  continued  stedfastly  in  the  apos- 

k  Prov.  viii.  3:,  34,  35.  Hear  ties*  doctrine  and  fellowship, 
instruction,  and  be  wise,  and  and  in  breaking  of  bread,  and 
refuse    it   not.     B  the    in  prayers    And  they  continuing 

man   that  htareth  me,  watch-   daily  with  one   accord    in   tne 
iug   daily  at  my  gates,   waiting   temple,    and     breaking    bread 
at  the  posts  of  my  doom     Fcr   from   house  to  house  ;    did   eat 
nodeth  me  We,    tl»<  ir    meat  with  gladness  and 

and    shall  obtain  favour  of  the    single  irt     1  Tim   iv. 

Lord.  Luke  xiii.  2k  Strive  to  16.  1  Cor.  i.  21  Eph.  v.  19. 
enter  in  at  the  st  and  vi.  17,  18. 

I 


276  The  Larger  Catechism. 

especially  the  preaching  of  the  word,  an  effectual 
means  of  enlightening m,  convincing  and  hum- 
bling sinners",  of  driving  them  out  of  themselves, 
and  drawing  them  unto  Christ0;  of  conforming 
them  to  his  image  p,  and  subduing  them  to  his 
will*1 ;  of  strengthening  them  against  temptations 
and  corruptions r ;  of  building  them  up  in  grace  % 

ra  Ps.  xix.  8.  The  command-  as  by  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord, 
merit  of  the  Lord  is  pure,  en-  Col.  i.  25—27. 
lightening  the  eyes.  Acts  xxvi.  *  2  Cor.  x.  4,  5.  (For  the 
18.  To  open  their  eyes,  and  weapons  of  cur  warfare  are 
to  turn  them  from  darkness  to  not  carnal,  but  mighty  through 
light,  and  from  the  power  of  God  to  the  pulling  down  of 
Satan  unto  God.  strong   holds.)    Casting    down 

R  Jer  xxiii.  28,  29.  And  he  imaginations,  and  every  high 
that  hath  my  word,  let  him  thing,  that  exalteth  itself 
speak  my  word  faithfully. — Is  against  the  knowledge  of  God, 
not  my  word  like  as  a  fire?  saith  and  bringing  into  captivity  every 
the  Lord ;  arid  like  a  hammer  thought  to  the  obedience  of 
that  breaketh  the  rock  in  Christ.  Rom.  vi.  17. 
pieces?  Heb.  iv.  12.  The  word  r  Ps.  xix.  11.  Moreover  by 
of  God  is  quick  and  powerful,  them  is  thy  servant  warned, 
and  sharper  than  any  two  edged  Col.  i.  28.  Whom  we  preach? 
sword,  piercing  even  to  the  di-  warning  every  man.  Eph.  vi. 
viding  asunder  of  soul  and  spirit,  16,  17.  Above  all  taking  the 
and  of  the  joints  and  marrow,  shield  of  faith,  wherewith  ye 
and  is  a  discerner  of  the  may  be  able  to  quench  all  the 
thoughts  and  intents  of  the  fiery  darts  of  the  wicked  :  And 
heart.     Rom.  viii.  16.  take  the   helmet  of  salvation, 

•  Acts  ii.  37.  Now  when  and  the  sword  of  the  Spirit, 
they  heard  this,  they  were  prick-  which  is  the  word  of  God. 
ed  in  their  heart,  and  said  unto  Matt.  iv.  7.  10. 
Peter,  and  to  the  rest  of  the  '  Eph.  iv.  11,  12.  And  he 
apostles,  Men  and  brethren,  gave  some  apostles — and  some 
what  shall  we  do?  v.  41.  Then  pastors  and  teachers;  for  the 
they  that  gladly  received  his  perfecting  of  the  saints,  for  the 
word,  were  baptized ;  and  the  work  of  the  ministry,  for  the 
same  day  there  were  added  un-  edifying  of  the  body  of  Christ : 
to  them  about  three  thousand  &c.  Acts  xx.  30.  And  now, 
souls.     Acts  viii.  27—38.  brethren,  I  commend   you    to 

p    2  Cor.  iii.   18.     But  we  all    God,  and  to    the  word  of  his 
with  open  face,  beholding  as  in   grace,  which  is  able  to  build  you 
a  glass  the  glory  of  the  Lord,    up.     2  Tim.  iii.  15,  16.     1  Cor. 
are  changed  into  the  same  im-  iii.  9,  10,  11. 
age,  from  glory  to  glory,  even 


The  Larger  Catechism. 


277 


and  establishing  their  hearts  in  holiness  and  com- 
fort through  faith  unto  salvation1. 

Q.  156.  Is  the  word  of  God  to  be  read  by  all? 

A.  Although  all  are  not  permitted  to  read  the 
word  publicly  to  the  congregation  u,  yet  all  sorts 
of  people  are  bound  to  read  it  apart  by  them- 
selves w,  and  with  their  families  x  :  to  which  end, 
the  holy  scriptures  are  to  be  translated  out  of  the 
original  into  vulgar  languages  y. 

f  Rom.  xvi.  25.  Now  to  him  xxxiv.  16.  Seek  ye  out  of  the 
that  is  of  power  to  stablish  you  book  of  the  Lord  and  read  — 
according  to  my  gospel,  and  the  John  v.  39.  Starch  the  scrip- 
preaching  of  Jesus  Christ,  ac-  tures. — Rev.  i.  3.  Blessed  is 
cording  to  the  revelation  of  the  he  that  readeth,  and  they  that 
mystery  which  was  kept  se-  hear  the  words  of  this  prophe- 
cret  since  the  world  began.  1  c\ ,  and  ktep  those  things  which 
Thess.  iii.  2.  13.  And  sent  Ti-  an  written  therein. — 
rnotheus  our  brother,  and  min-  Deut.  \\  6.  7.  And  these 
ister  of  God  and  our  fellow-la-  words  which  1  I  thee 
bourer  in  the  gospel  of  Christ,  t  ia.ll  be  in  thint  !. 
to  establish  you,  and  to  comfort  and  thoo  shait  teach  them  di- 
you  concerning  your  faith  :  Sx.  ligently  unto  thy  children,  and 
Rom.  x.  14,  15,  16,  \7.  S  shalt  talk  of  them,  when  thou 
n  Deut.  xxxi.  9,  ll,  12,  lo.  attest  in  thine  house,  and  when 
And  Moses  wrote  this  law,  and  th  u  walltest  by  the  Way,  and 
delivered  it  unto  the  priests,  when  thou  liest  down,  and 
the  sons  of  Levi — and  unto  all  when  thru  risc^t  up,  Ps.  Ixxviii. 
the  elders  of  Israel.  Gather  5,  6.  For  he  ehtabihshed  a  tes- 
the  people  together,  men  and  timony  in  Jacd;, 
women,  and  children,  and  thy  a  law  in  Israel,  which  lit*  corn- 
stranger  that  is  within  thy  manded  our  fathers,  that  they 
gates,— that  they  may  leani,  should  nuke  them  kuown  to 
and  fear  the  Lord  your  God,  their  children;  that  the  [ 
and  observe  to  do  all  the  words  ration  to  come  might  know 
of  this  law,  &c.  thefn,  feven  the  children,  which 
w  Deut.  xvii.  18,  19.  And  it  b  born:  who  should 
shall  be  when  he  sitteth  ui  iem  to  their 
the  thi 

l11  write   him  a   o  ])  verse 

this  law  in  a  book,  out  of  that  18,  1 

:•  re  the  priests  the  -  than    vou 

s  ;  and  it   shall  be  w'ah  all  ;  yet   in  the  church  1  had 

him,  and  he  shall  read  therein  i  with 

all    the    days   of   his   life.— Is.  my  o  that  by  my 

A  a 


278  The  Larger  Catechism. 

Q.  157.  Hoxv  is  the  word  of  God  to  be  read? 

A.  The  holy  scriptures  are  to  be  read  with  an 
high  and  reverend  esteem  of  them  z ;  with  a  firm 
persuasion  that  they  are  the  very  word  of  God  % 
and  that  he  only  can  enable  us  to  understand 
them  b ;  with  desire  to  know,  believe  and  obey 
the  will  of  God  revealed  in  themc ;  with  diligence  d, 
and  attention  to  the  matter  and  scope  of  them  c ; 
with  meditation  f,  application  s,  self-denial h,  and 
prayer  l. 

voice  I  might  teach  others  also,  (Bereans)  were  more  noble  than 
than  ten  thousand  words  in  an  those  in  Thessalonica,  in  that 
unknown  tongue.    '  they  received  the  word  with  all 

z  Ps.  cxix.  97.  O  how  love  readiness  of  mind,  and  search- 
I  thy  law  ! — Nehemiah  viii.  5.  ed  the  scriptures  daily,  whe- 
And  Ezra  opened  the  book  in  ther  those  things  were  so.* 
the  sight  of  all  the  people — and  Deut.  xi;  13. 
when  he  opened  it,  all  the  peo-  e  Acts  viii.  30.  34.  And  Phi- 
pie  stood  up  :.&c. — Is  lxvi.  2.  lip  said,  Understandest  thou 
■ — But  to  this  man  will  I  look,  what  thou  readest?  And  the 
even  to  him  that  is  poor,  and  of  eunuch  answered  Philip,— Of 
a  contrite  spirit,  and  trembleth  whom  speaketh  the  prophet 
at  my  word.  this  ?  of  himself,  or  of  some 

a  2  Pet.  i.  21 — Holy  men  of  other  man?  Matt.  xiii.  23.  .$i 
God  spake  as  they  were  moved  *  Ps.  i.  2.  But  his  delight  is 
by  the  Holy  Ghost  1  Thess.  in  the  law  of  the  Lord,  and  in 
ii.  13.  his  law  doth  he  meditate  day 

b  Ps    cxix.   18.     Open  thou   and   night.     Ps.    cxix.    97.    O 
mine  eyes,  that  I  may  behold  how  love  I  thy  law  !   it  is  my 
wondrous  things  out  of  thy  law.  meditation  all  the  day. 
— Luke  xxiv.  45.  &   Acts   ii.    3S,    39.     Repent 

c  James  i.  21,  22.  Receive  and  be  baptized  every  one  of 
with  meekness  the  ingrafted  you — for  the  promise  is  unto 
word,  which  is  able  to  save  you  and  to  your  children.  2 
\  our  souls.  But  be  ye  doers  of  Sam.  xii.  7.  2  Chr.  xxxiv.  21. 
the  word,  and  not  hearers  only,  h  Gal.  i.  15,  16.  But  when 
deceiving  your  own  selves.  1  it  pleased  God — to  reveal  his 
Pet.  ii.  2.  As  new-born  babes  Son  in  me,  that  I  might  preach 
desire  the  sincere  milk  of  the  him  among  the  heathen ;  im- 
word,  that  ye  may  grow  there-  mediately  I  conferred  not  with 
by-    Mark  iv.  20.  flesh  and  blood.     Prov.  iii.  5. 

Lets    xvii.    11.      These       j  Neh.  viii.  6.  8.  See  letter  K 


The  Larger  Catechism.  279 

Q.  158.  By  whom  is  the  word  of  God  to  be 
preached  ? 

A.  The  word  of  God  is  to  be  preached  only  by 
such  as  are  sufficiently  gifted  k,  and  also  duly  ap- 
proved and  called  to  that  office  '. 

Q.  159.  How  is  the  word  of  God  to  be  preached 
by  those  that  are  called  thereunto  ? 

A.  They  that  are  called  to  labour  in  the  mi- 
nistry of  the  word  are  to  preach  sound  doctrine  m, 
diligently  n,  in  season,  and  out  of  season  ° ;  plain- 
ly p,  not  in  the  enticing  words  of  man's  wisdom, 
but  in  demonstration  of  the  Spirit,  and  of  power  q; 
faithfully  r,  making  known  the  whole  counsel  of 
God1;   wisely1,   applying  themselves  to  the  ne- 


k  1  Tim.  iii.  2—6.    A  bishop 

must  be  blameless — apt  to  teach 

— not  a  novice.     2  Tim.  li.  2. 

the  things  that  thou  hast 

heard  of  me,  among  many  wjt- 

s.   the  same  commit  thou 

thful    men,  who  shall  be 

able  to  teach  others  also.  Mutt. 

ii.  7. 

1  Rom.  x.  15.  And  how  shall 
they  preach,  except  they  be 
sent }  Heb.  v.  4.  And  no  man 
taketh  this  honour  unto  himself, 
but  he  that  is  called  of  G 
was  Aaron.  1  Tim.  iii.  10. 
And  let  these  also  first  be 
proved,  then  let  them  u^ 
office  of  a  deacon,  being  found 
blame 

m  Tit.  ii.  1.8.  But  speak 
thou  the  things  which  become 
sound  doctrine;  sound  speech 
that  cannot  be  condemned. 

■  Acts  xviii.  35.  Being  fer- 
vent in  the  spirit,  he  spake  and 
taught,  diligently,  the  things  of 
the  Lord. 


°  2  Tim-   iv.  2.     Preach  the 
word;  be  instant  in  seascr. 
of  seast  n. 

p  1  Cor.  xiv.  9.  Except  ye 
utter  by  the  tongue  words  ea-\ 
to  be  understood,  how  shall  i: 
be  known  what  is  spoken  ?  for 
ye  shall  speak  into  the  air. 

*  1  Cor.  ii.  4.  And  my  speech, 
and    my    preaching    was 
with   enticing   words  of   n 
wisdom,  but  in  demonstrate 
the  Spirit  and  of  power. 

r  Jer.  xxiii.  28.  He  that  hath 
my  word,  let   him   speak   my 
word  faithfully.  1  Cor.  iv 
Let  a  man  so  account  of  us,  as 
the    minisurs    i  t    Christ,    and 

ids  of  the    mysterii 
God.     Moreover  it  is  required 
in   st»  that   a  mai 

found  faithful.     Matt  xxiv.  45, 
46,  47. 

"  Acts  xx.  27.  For  I  have  net 
shunned   to    declare    unto 
all  the  counsel  of  God 

L  L  ~>s>.  Whom  wepiv 


280 


The  Larger  Catechism. 


cessities  and  capacities  of  the  hearers  u ;  zealous- 
ly w,  with  fervent  love  to  God  x,  and  the  souls  of 
his  people  >  ;  sincerely  %  aiming  at  his  glory*,  and 
their  conversion  b,  edification  c,  and  solvation  d. 

Q.  160.  What  is  required  of  those  that  hea  r  the 
word  preached  ? 

A.  It  is  required  of  those  that  hear  the  word 


warning  every  man,  and  teach- 
ing every  man  in  all  wisdom. 
2  Tim.  ii.  15.  Study  to  shew 
thyself  approved  unto  God,  a 
workman  that  needcth  not  to 
be  ashamed,  rightly  dividing 
the  word  of  truth. 

u  1  Cor.  iii.  2.  I  have  fed 
you  with  milk,  and  not  with 
meat;  for  hitherto  ye  were  not 
able  to  bear  it,  neither  yet  now 
are  ye  able.  Heb.  v.  12*  13,  14. 
1  Thess.  ii.  7.     Luke  xii.  42. 

w  Acts  xviii.  25.  This  man 
was  instructed  in  the  way  of  the 
Lord  ;  and  being  fervent  in  the 
spirit,  he  spake  and  taught  di- 
ligently the  things  of  the  Lord, 
knowing  only  the  baptism  of 
John.     2  Tim.  iv.  5. 

*  2  Cor.  v.  13,- 14.  For  whe- 
ther we  be  besides  ourselves, 
it  is  to  God  :  or  whether  we  be 
sober,  it  is  for  your  cause  For 
the  love  of  Christ  constraineth 
us  because  we  thus  judge,  that 
if  one  died  for  all,  then  were 
all  dead.    PhiL  i.  15,  16,  17. 

>'  2  Cor  iv.  2.  And  I  will 
very  gladly  spend  and  be  spent 
for  you,  though  the  more  abun- 
dantly I  love  you,  the  less  I  be 
loved.     1  Thess.  iii.  12. 

z  2  Cor.  iv.  2.  But  we  have 
renounced  the  hidden  things  of 
d'shonesty,  not  walking  in  craf- 
tiness, nor  handling  the  word 
of  God  deceitfully,  but  by  ma- 


nifestation of  the  truth,  com- " 
mending*  ourselves    to    every 
man's  conscience  in  the  sight  of 
God.  2  Cor.  ii.  17. 

a  John  vii.  18.  He  that  speak- 
eth  of  himself,  seeketh  his  own 
glory  ;  but  he  that  seeketh  his 
glory  that  sent  him,  the  same 
is  true,  and  no  unrighteousness 
is  in  him.     1  Thess.   ii.  4,  5,  6. 

b  1  Cor.  ix.  19,  20,  21,  22. 
For  though  I  be  free  from  all 
men,  yet  have  I  made  myself 
servant  unto  all,  that  1  might 
gain  the  more.  And  unto  the 
Jews  I  became  as  a  Jew,  that 
I  might  gain  the  Jews ;  to  them 
that  are  under  the  law,  as  un- 
der the  law,  that  I  might  gain 
them  that  are  under  the  law, 
Sec.  I  am  made  all  things  to 
all  men,  that  I  might  by  all 
means  save  some. 

c  2  Cor.  xii.  19.  But  we  do 
all  things,  dearly  beloved,  for 
your  edifying.     Eph.  iv.  12. 

d  1  Tim.  iv.  16.  Take  heed 
unto  thyself,  and  unto  thy  doc- 
trine;  continue  in  them:  for 
in  doing  this,  thou  shalt  both 
save  thyself,  and  them  that 
hear  thee.  2  Tim.  ii.  10. 
Therefore  I  endure  all  things 
for  the  elect's  sake,  that  they 
may  also  obtain  the  salvation, 
which  is  in  Christ  Jesus,  with 
eternal  glorv.  Acts  xxvi.  16— 
18. 


The  Larger  Catechism. 


281 


preached,  that  they  attend  upon  it  with  diligence  % 
preparation1  and  prayer  *  ;  examine  what  they 
hear  by  the  scriptures  h ;  receive  the  truth  with 
faith ',  love  k,  meekness1,  and  readiness  of  mind  m, 
as  the  word  of  God a  ;  mediate  °  and  confer  of  it  p ; 
hide  it  in  their  hearts  q,  and  bring  forth  the  fruit 
of  it  in  their  lives  r. 


e  Ps.  lxxxiv.  1,  2.  4.  How 
Amiable  are  thy  tabernacles,  O 
Lord  of  hosts"!  My  soul  long- 
ethj  yea,  even  fainteth  for  the 
courts  of  the  Lord.  Bl 
are  they  that  dwell  in  thy  house, 
will  be  still  praising  thee. 
Ps.  xxvii.  4.     Prov.  via  34. 

f  Luke  viii.  IS.    Take  heed, 

therefore;  how  ye  hear.    1  Pet. 

ii.  1,  2.  Wherefore  laying  aside 

all  malice,  and  all   guile,   and 

s,  and  envies,  and  all 

evil    speakings;    as    new-born 

s  desire  the  sincere  milk  of 

the  word,  that  ye  may    grow 

s  i.  21. 

\:x.    18.     Open   thou 

mine  eyes,   that  I  may  behold 

wondrous    things     out    of    thy 

law.    Eph.  vi.  18,  19. 

\  ii.  11.    And  search- 
ed the  scriptures  daily, whether 
things  were  so. 
1  Heb.  iv.  2.    For  unto  u^ 
the  Gospel  preached,   as  well 
as  unto   them  ;    but   the   word 
preached  did  not  profit  them, 
not  iK'ing  mixed  with  faith  in 
them  that  heard  it. 
!    ess  ii.  10. 
d  not  the  I 

1  Jan 

xvii.  11.  T 


more  noble  than  those  in  Thes- 
salonica,  in  that  they  received 
the  word  with  all  readiness  of 
mind.     Acts  ii.  41. 

■  1  Thes*.  ii.  13.  For  this 
cause  also  thank  we  God  with- 
out ceasing,  because  when  ye 
received  the  word  cf  God, 
which  ye  heard  of  us,  ye  re- 
ceived it  not  as  the  word  of 
men,  but,  as  it  is  in  truth,  the 
word  of  God. 

°  Heb.  ii.  1.  Therefore  we 
ought  to  give  the  mere  earnest 
heed  to  the  things  which  we 
have  heard,  test  at  any  time  we 
should  let  them  slip. 

p  Dent.  vi.  t\  7.  And  these 
words  which  I  command  thee 
this  day  shall  l>e  in  thine  heart, 
and  then  shalt  teach  thorn  dili- 
gently unto  thy  children,  and 
talk  of  them  when  thou 
sittest  in  thine  house,  and  when 
thou  walkest  by  the  way,  and 
when  th<  u  iicst  down,  and  when 
thou  risest  up. 

<J  Ps.  cxix.   11.    Thy  word 
i  i  my  heart,  that  I 
might    not     sin    against    thee. 
Ii.  l. 

'  Luke  viii  15.  Hut  that  OH 
the    i  are    they, 

which   in  an   1 
heart,   having  heard  the  v. 

;t,  and  b:ing  forth  fruit 
with  patience. 


282  The  Larger  Catechism. 

Q.  161.  How  do  the  sacraments  become  effec~ 
tual  means  of  salvation  ? 

A.  The  sacraments  become  effectual  means  of 
salvation,  not  by  any  power  in  themselves,  or 
any  virtue  derived  from  the  piety  or  intention  of 
him  by  whom  they  are  administered  ;  but  only 
by  the  working  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  the  bless- 
ing of  Christ  by  whom  they  are  instituted s. 

Q.  162.  What  is  a  sacrament  ? 

A.  A  sacrament  is  an  holy  ordinance  instituted 
by  Christ  in  his  church  \  to  signify,  seal,  and 
exhibit  u  unto  those  that  are  within  the  covenant 
of  grace  w,  the  benefits  of   his  mediation x  ;   to 

*  1  Pet.  iii.  21.  The  like  therefore,  and  teach  all  nations, 
figure  w hereunto, even  baptism,  baptizing  them  in  the  name  of 
doth  also  now  save  us,  (not  the  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son, 
putting  away  of  the  filth  of  the  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  Matt. 
flesh,  but  the  answer  of  a  good  xxvi.  26,  27.  And  as  they  were 
conscience  towards  God)  by  the  eating,  Jesus  took  bread,  and 
resurrection  of  Jesus  Christ,  blessed  it,  and  brake  it,  and 
Acts  viii.  13.  Then  Simon  him-  gave  it  to  his  disciples,  and  said, 
self  believed  also ;  and  when  Take,  eat ;  this  is  my  body, 
he  was  baptized,  he  continued  u  Rom.  iv.  11.  And  he  (Abra- 
with  Philip,  and  wondered,  ham,)  received  the  sign  of  cir- 
beholding  the  miracles  and  cumcision,  a  seal  of  the  righte- 
signs  which  were  done.  (His  ousness  of  the  faith,  which  he 
baptism,  notwithstanding,  was  had,  being  yet  uncircumcised  ; 
ineffectual  to  any  saving  pur-  that  he  might  be  the  father  of 
pose,  for  Peter  said  to  him)  v.  all  them  that  believe,  though 
:3.  1  perceive  that  thou  art  in  they  be  not  circumcised;  that 
the  gall  of  bitterness  and  in  the  righteousness  might  be  imputed 
hond  of  iniquity.  1  Cor.  iii.  7.  to  them  also.  1  Cor.  xi.  24,  25. 
So  then,  neither  is  he  that  w  Rom.  ix.  8.  The  children 
./ianteth  any  thing  ;  neither  he  <rf  the  promise  are  counted  for 

it    watereth  ;  but  God  that   the  seed.  Gal.  iv.  28.    N^v  we, 
^iveth  the  increase.     1  Cor.  vi.   brethren,  as  Isaac  was,  are  the 
3ut  ye  are  washed,  but  ye   children  of  promise.   Rom.  xv. 
^.re   sanctified,  but  ye  are  jus-   8,  9- 

tified  in  the  name  of -the  Lord  *  Acts  ii.  38.  Then  Peter 
Jesus,  and  by  the  Spirit  of  our  said  unto  them,  Repent  and  b^ 
God  baptized  every  one  of  you,  in 

4   Matt,  xxviii.  19     Go  ye  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ,  for 


The  Larger  Catechism.  283 

strengthen  and  increase  their  faith,  and  all  other 
graces y,  to  oblige  them  to  obedience  ■ ;  to  testify 
and  cherish  their  love  and  communion  one  with 
another a,  and  to  distinguish  them  from  those  that 
are  without5. 

Q.  163.  What  are  the  parts  of  a  sacrament? 

A.  The  parts  of  a  sacrament  are  two  :  The 
one,  an  outward  and  sensible  sign  used  according 
to  Christ's  own  appointment ;  the  other,  an  in- 
ward and  spiritual  grace  thereby  signified  c. 

Q.  164.  How  many  sacra?nents  hath  Christ  in- 
stituted under  the  New  Testament  ? 

A.  Under  the  New  Testament  Christ  hath  in- 

the  remission  of  sins,  and  ye  Lord's  table,   and  of  the  table 

I  receive  the  gift  of  the  Ho-  of  devils.    Hcb.  x.  29. 
ly  Ghost.     1  Cor.  x    16.     The        a  1  Ccr.  x.  13.     For  by  one 

^up  of  blessing  which  we  bless,  Spirit  we  are  all  baptized  into 

is  it  not  the  communion  of  the  one  body,  whether  we  be  Jews 

blood    of   Christ  ?   The  bread  or    Gentiles,    whether   we    be 

which  we  break,   is  it   not  the  bond   or   free ;    and  have  been 

communion    of     the    body    of  all  made  to  drink  into  one  Spi- 

Cbrist?   Acts  xxii.  16.  rit.     1   Cor.  x.  17.     We  being 

>  Rom.  xv.  S,  9.     Now  I  say  many  are  one   breadr  and  one 

that  Jesus  Christ  was  a  minister  body',  foT  we  are  all  partakers 

circumcision  for  the  truth  cf  that  one  bread.    Eph.  iv.  •?, 

of  God,  to  confirm  the  promises  4,  5. 

made   unto   the    fathers;    and        b  Eph.  in.  19.     Now  there- 

that  the  Gentiles  might  glorify  fore   ye  are  no  more  strangers 

God  for  his  mercy.   Gal.  Hi.  27.  and  foreigners,  but  fellow-citi- 

*  Rom.  vi.  4       I  we  zens  with  the  saiats,  and  of  the 

are  buried  with  him  by  baptism  household  of  God.  Gen.  xxxiv.  14. 

into  death,  that  like  as  Christ       c    Mat:,    iii.     11.      I    indeed 

the  dead  baptize    you   with   water    unto 

by   the    glory    of  the    Father,  repentance,   but  he  that   com- 

>  we  also  should  walk  in  eth  after  me,   is  mightier  than 

-s  of  lift:.     1   Cor.  x.  21.  1,  whose  shoes  1  am  not  worthy 

tnhot    drink    the   cup   of  to   bear  :   he  shall  bapti;'^ 

:  d,  and  the  cup  of  devils  ;  with  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  with 

not  be  partakers  ,of  the  tire.     1  V 


284 


The  Larger  Catechism* 


stituted  in  his  church  only  two  sacraments,  bap- 
tism, and  the  Lord's  supper d. 

Q.  165.  What  is  baptism  ? 

A.  Baptism  is  a  sacrament  of  the  New  Testa* 
ment,  wherein  Christ  hath  ordained  the  washing 
with  water  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the 
Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost  %  to  be  a  sign  and 
seal  of  ingrafting  into  himself f,  of  remission  of 
sins  by  his  blood  g,  and  regeneration  by  his  Spi- 
rit h ;  of  adoption  'l  and  resurrection  unto  ever- 
lasting life  k  :  and  whereby  the  parties  baptized  are 
solemnly  admitted  into  the  visible  church  \  and 
enter  into  an  open  and  professed  engagement  to 
be  wholly  and  only  the  Lord's  in. 


d  1  Cor.  xi.  23.  See  under 
the  letter  f. 

e  Matt,  xxviii.  19.  Go  ye 
therefore,  and  teach  all  nations, 
baptizing  them  in  the  rfame  of 
the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and 
of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

1  Gal.  iii.  27.  For  as  many  of 
you  as  have  been  baptized  into 
Christ,  have  pat  on  Christ. 
Rom.  vi.  3, 

t  Acts  xxii.  16.  Arise,  and 
be  baptized,  and  wash  away 
thy  sins,  Mark  i.  4.  John  did 
baptize  in  the  wilderness,  and 
preach  the  baptism  of  repent- 
ance; for  the  remission  of  sins. 
Rev.  i  5. 

h  John  iii  5.  Except  a  man 
be  born  of  water,  and  of  the 
Spirit,  he  cannot  enter  into  the 
kingdom  of  God.  Tit.  iii.  5. 
According  to  his  mercy  he  sav- 
ed us  by  the  washing  of  rege- 
neration, and  renewing  of  the 
Holy  Ghost. 


*  Gal.  iii.  26,  27.  [Tor  ye  are 
all  the  children  of  God  by  faith 
in  Christ  Jesus.  For  as  many 
of  you  as  have  been  baptized 
into  Christ,  have  put  on  Christ. 

k  1  Cor.  xv.  29.  Else  what 
shall  they  do,  which  are  bap- 
tized for  the  dead,  if  the  dead 
rise  not  all?  why  are  they  then 
baptized  for  the  dead? 

1  1  Cor.  xii.  13.  For  by  one 
Spirit  we  are  all  baptized  into 
one  body,  whether  we  be  Jews 
or  Gentiles;  whether  we  be 
bond  or  free  ;  and  have  been 
all  made  to  drink  into  one 
Spirit. — 

m  Rom.  vi.  4.  Therefore  we 
are  buried  with  him  by  bap- 
tism into  death,  that  like  as 
Christ  was  raised  up  from  the 
dead  by  the  glory  of  the  Fa- 
ther, even  so  we  also  should 
walk  in  newness  of  life. 


The  Larger  Catechism.  285 

Q.  166.  Urfto  whom  is  baptism  to  be  adminis- 
tered? 

A*  Baptism  is  not  to  be  administered  to  any 
that  are  out  of  the  visible  church,  and  so  stran- 
gers from  the  covenant  of  promise,  till  they  pro- 
fess their  faith  in  Christ,  and  obedience  to  him  n  ; 
but  infants  descending  from  parents,  either  both 
or  but  one  of  them,  professing  faith  in  Christ,  and 
obedience  to  him,  are,  in  that  respect,  within  the 
covenant,  and  are  to  be  baptized  °. 

Q.  167.  How  is  our  baptism  to  be  improved  by  us? 

A.  The  needful  but  much  neglected  duty  of 
improving  our  baptism  is  to  be  performed  by  us 
all  our  life  long,  especially  in  the  time  of  temp- 
tation, and  when  we  are  present  at  the  administra- 
tion of  it  to  others  p,  by  serious  and  thankful  con- 
sideration of  the  nature  of  it,  and  of  the  ends  for 
which   Christ   instituted   it,    the   privileges   and 

n  Acts  viii.  36,  37. — And  the  our  God  shall  call.    Luke  xviii. 

eunuch  said,  See  here  is  water ;  16.  But  Jesus  called  them  unto 

-what  doth    hinder    me    to    be  him,     and    said,    Suffer    little 

baptized  ? — And    Philip    said,  children  to  come  unto  me,  and 

If  thou  belie  vest  with  all  thine  forbid  them  not,  for  of  such  is 

heart,  thou  mayest.    And   he  the  kingdom   of  God.     1  Cor. 

answered  and    said,    I  believe  vii.  14.     The  unbelieving  hus- 

that  Jesus  Christ  is  the  Sen  of  band  is  sanctified  by  the  wife  ; 

God.     Acts  ii.  41.     Then  they  and    the    unbelieving    wife    is 

that  gladly  received  his  word,  sanctified  by  the  husband 

were  baptized.  were  your   children    unclean  ; 

°  Acts  ii.  38,  39.     Then  Pe-  but  now  are  they  holy.     Rom. 

ter  said    unto    them,    Repent,  xi.  16.     Gen.  xvii.  7 — 9.  Com- 

and  be  baptized                   e  of  pared  with  Gal.  iii.  9 — 14.  and 

you,    in    the    name    of    Jesus  Col.  ii.  11,  12, 

Christ,    for   the    remission    of  p  Ps.  xxii   io,  11.  1  waj 

sins,  and  ye  shall  receive  the —  upon  thee  from  the  womb;  thuu 

Holy  G               r  the  promise  art  my  God  from  my  mothers 

is  unto  you,   and  to  your  chil-  belly  '  He  not  far  from  me,  for 

dren,  and  to  all  that  are  afar  trouble  is  near. 
off,  even  as  many  as  the  Lord 


286  The  Larger  Catechism. 

benefits  conferred  and  sealed  thereby,  and  our 
solemn  vow  made  therein  q ;  by  being  humbled  for 
our  sinful  defilement,  our  falling  short  of,  and 
walking  contrary  to,  the  grace  of  baptism  and  our 
engagements r ;  by  growing  up  to  assurance  of 
pardon  of  sin,  and  of  all  other  blessings  sealed  to 
us  in  that  sacrament s ;  by  drawing  strength  from 
the  death  and  resurrection  of  Christ,  into  whom 
we  are  baptized,  for  the  mortifying  of  sin,  and 
quickening  of  grace l ;  and  by  endeavouring  to 
live  by  faith  u,  to  have  our  conversation  in  holiness 
and  righteousness w,  as  those  that  have  therein 
given  up  their  names  to  Christ  x,  and  to  walk  in 
brotherly  love,  as  being  baptized  by  the  same 
Spirit  into  one  body  y. 

i  Rom.  vi.  3,  4,  5.  baptism  into  death :  that  like 

r  Rom.  vi.  2,  3.    God  forbid  :  as  Christ  was  raised  up  from 

how  shall  we  that  are  dead  to  the  dead  by  the  glory  of  the 

sin,   live    any  longer  therein  ?  Father,  even  so  we  also  should 

Know  ye  not,  that  so  many  of  walk  in  newness  of  life,  &c. 

us  as  were  baptized  into  Jesus  u  Gal.  iii.  26,  27.  For  ye  are 

Christ,  were  baptized  into  his  all  the  children  of  God  by  faith 

death  ?    1   Cor.   i.   11,    12,   13.  in  Christ  Jesus.    For  as  many 

Gal.  iii.  1.  of  you  as  have  been  baptized 

*  Phil.  iii.  7 — 10,  11.  But  into  Christ,  have  put  on  Christ, 
what  things  were  gain  to  me,  w  Rom.  vi.  22.  But  now  be- 
those  I  counted  loss  for  Christ :  ing  made  free  from  sin,  and  be- 
That  I  may  know  him,  and  the  come  servants  to  God,  ye  have 
power  of  his  resurrection,  and  your  fruit  unto  holiness,  and 
the  fellowship  of  his  sufferings,  the  end  everlasting  life, 
being  made  conformable  unto  *  Acts  ii.  38.  Be  baptized 
his  death;  if  by  any  means  I  every  one  of  you  in  tlie  name 
may  attain  unto  the  resurrec-  of  Jesus  Christ, 
tion  of  the  dead  :  &c.  Rom.  iv.  y  1  Cor.  xii.  13 — 25,  26.  For 
11,  12.     1  Pet.  iii.  21.  by  one  Spirit  are  we  all  baptiz- 

c  Rom.  vi.  2,  3,  4.  HowT  shall  ed  into  one  body,  whether  we 

we,  that  are  dead  to  sin,  live  be  Jews  or  Gentiles,  whether 

any  longer  therein  ?  Know  ye    we  be  bond  or  free ; that 

not,  that  so  many  of  us  as  were  there  should  be  no  schism  in 
baptized  into  Jesus  Christ,  were  the  body;  but  that  the  mem- 
baptized  into  his  death  ?  There-  bers  should  have  the  same  care 
fore  we  are  buried  with  him  by  one  for  another.  And  whether 


The  Larger  Catechism.  287 

($•  168.  Wliat  is  the  Lord's  supper? 

A.  The  Lord's  supper  is  a  sacrament  of  the 
New  Testament  %  wherein,  by  giving  and  receiv- 
ing bread  and  wine  according  to  the  appointment 
of  Jesus  Christ,  his  death  is  shewed  forth  ;  and 
they  that  worthily  communicate,  feed  upon  his 
body  and  blood,  to  their  spiritual  nourishment 
and  growth  in  grace3;  have  their  union  and 
communion  with  him  confirmed  b ;  testify  and  re- 
new their  thankfulness  c  and  engagement  to  God  d, 
and  their  mutual  love  and  fellowship  each  with 
other,  as  members  of  the  same  mystical  body e. 

Q.  169.  Hoxv  hath  Christ  appointed  bread  and 
wine  to  be  given  and  received  in  the  sacrament  of 
the  Lord's  supper  ? 

A.  Christ  hath  appointed  the  ministers  of  his 
word,  in  the  administration  of  this  sacrament  of 

one  member  suffer,  all  the  of  Christ  ?  The  bread,  which 
members  suffer  with  it,  or  one  we  break,  is  it  not  the  corn- 
member  be  honoured,  all  the  munion  of  the  body  of  Christ  ? 
members  rejoice  with  it.  c  1  Cor.  xi.  25.     This  cup  is 

1  Luke   xxii.   20.     Likewise   the    New    Testament    in    my 
also  the  cup  after  supper,  say-   blocd :   This  do  ye  as  oft  as  ye 
ing,  This  cup  is  the  New  Tes-   drink   it,    in   remembrance  of 
tament  in  my  blood,  which  is   me. 
shed  for  you.  ll    1    Cor.    x.   16—21.     The 

•  Matt  xxvi.  26,  27.  And  said,  cup  of  blessing  which  we  bless, 
Take,  eat ;  this  is  my  body,  is  it  not  the  communion  of  the 
And  he  took  the  cup,  and  gave  blood  of  Christ  r  The  bread 
thanks,  and  gave  it  to  them,  which  we  break,  is  it  not  the 
saying,  Drink  ye  all  of  it.  communion  of  the  body  of 
John  vi.  55,  56.  My  flesh  is  Christ?  Ye  cannot  drink  the 
meat  indeed,  and  my  blood  is  cup  of  the  Lord,  and  the  cup 
drink  indeed.  He  that  eateth  of  devils:  Ye  cannot  be 
my    flesh,    and     drinketh    my  the  Lord's  table,  and 

d,  dwelleth  in  me,  and  I  in    of  the  ta  \ils. 

him.    1  Cor.  xi.  2;"> — 27.  l  Cor.  x.  ir     For  we  being 

b  1  Cor.  x.  16.    The  cup  of  man] 
blessing  which  we  bless,  i^  it  not   t>  d)  :  for  we  are  all  partakers 
the  communion   of  die   bluod  of  that  one  ore 


288  The  Larger  Catechism. 

the  Lord's  supper,  to  set  apart  the  bread  and  wine 
from  common  use  by  the  word  of  institution, 
thanksgiving  and  prayer ;  to  take  and  break  the 
bread,  and  to  give  both  the  bread  and  the  wine  to 
the  communicants  :  who  are  by  the  same  appoint- 
ment to  take  and  eat  the  bread,  and  to  drink  the 
wine  ;  in  thankful  remembrance  that  the  body  of 
Christ  was  broken  and  given,  and  his  blood  shed 
for  them  f. 

Q.  170.  How  do  they  that  worthily  communi- 
cate in  the  Lord's  subper  feed  upon  the  body  and 
blood  of  Christ  therein  ? 

A.  As  the  body  and  blood  of  Christ  are  not 
corporally  or  carnally  present  in,  with,  or  under 
the  bread  and  wine  in  the  Lord's  supper g;  and 
yet  are  spiritually  present  to  the  faith  of  the  re- 
ceiver, no  less  truly  and  really  than  the  elements 
themselves  are  to  their  outward  senses11 ;  so  they 
that  worthily  communicate  in  the  sacrament  of  the 
Lord's  supper,  do  therein  feed  upon  the  body  and 
blood  of  Christ,  not  after  a  corporal  or  carnal,  but 
in  a  spiritual  manner  ;  yet  truly  and  really  *,  while 

f  Mark  xiv.  22,  23,  24.    And  tians— before  whose   eyes  Jesus 

as    they    did    eat,    Jesus   took  Christ  hath  been  evidently  set 

bread,  and   blessed,  and  brake  forth,    crucified    among     you. 

it,  and  gave  to  them,  and  said,  Heb.  xi.  1. 
— This  is  my  body.     And   he       '  John  vi.  51—53.     I  am  the 

took  the  cup,  and  when  he  had  living  bread,  which  came  down 

given    thanks,    he   gave    it   to  from   heaven :  If  any  man  eat 

them  :  and  they  all  drank  of  it.  of  this  bread  he  shall  live  for 

I  Cor.    xi.  23,  24.     Matt.  xxvi.  ever :    and    the    bread  that   I 

2£ — 28.     Eph.  ii.  11.  13.  will  give  is  my  flesh,  which   I 

£    Acts  iii    10.     Whom   the  wiil    give  for  the  life  of  the 

heavens  must  receive,  until  the  word.     Except  ye  eat  the  flesh 

times     of    restitution     of     all  of  the  Son  of  man,  and  drink 

things.  his  blood,  ye  have   no  life  in 

h  Gal.  iii.  1,    O  foolish  Gala-  you. 


The  Larger  Catechism.  289 

aith  they  receive  and   apply  unto  themselves 
Christ  crucified,  and  all  the  benefits  of  his  death*. 

Q.  171.  How  are  they  that  receive  the  sacra- 
ment of  the  Lord's  supper  to  prepare  themselves 
before  they  come  unto  it  ? 

A.  They  that  receive  the  sacrament  of  the 
Lord's  supper  are,  before  they  come,  to  prepare 
themselves  thereunto,  by  examining  themselves1, 
of  their  being  in  Christ m,  of  their  sins  and  wants n; 
of  the  truth  and  measure  of  their  knowledge0, 
faith*,  repentance*1,  love  to  God  and  the  bre- 
thren1, charity  to  all  mcns,  forgiving  those  that 
have  done  them  wrong  \  and  of  their  desires  after 

k  1  Cor.  x.  16.  See  in  ('.  shall  look  upon  me  whom  they 

1  I  Cor.  xi.  28.  But  let  a  man  have  pierced  ;  and  they  shall 
examine  himself,  and  so  let  mourn  for  him,  as  one  mourn- 
him  eat  of  that  bread,  and  eth  for  his  only  son  ;  and  shall 
drink  of  that  cup.  be  in  bitterness  for  him,  as  one 

m  2  Cor.  xiii.  5,  Examine  that  is  in.  bitterness  for  his  'firsfc- 
rcurselves,  whether  ye  be  in  born.  1  Cor.  xii.  31.  For  if  we 
the  faith ;  prove  your  own  would  judge  ourselves,  we 
selves;   know  \  r  own   should  not  be  judged. 

how  that  Jesus  Christ  is       r  1  Cor.  x.  17.     For  we  being 
be  reprobates?   many,  are  one  bread,  and  one 
■  1  Cor.  v.  7.  Purge  out  there-  body,  for  we  are  all  partaken 
fore    the    old    leaven,    that  ye   of  that  one  bread. 

a  new  lump,  as  ye  are       •  1  Cor.  v.  8.    Therefore  let 

unleavene:!.     For    even  Christ    us  keep  the  feast,  not  with  old 

our  passover,    is  sacrificed  for   leaven,  neither  with  the  leaven 

Compared   with    Exodus  of  malice  and  wickedness,  but 

yii.  15.  with  the  unleavened  bread    of 

-    l  Are   all   sincerity  and  truth.     1  Cor.  xi. 

art  all  prophets  ?  are    18,20. 

re  all  workers       :  Matt  v   23,  24.    Therefore 
of  mir:v  if  thou  bring  thy  gift  to  the  al- 

I    (     r     xi'i     $.    Sc<-  bI    )Vt    tar,    and    there    rememberest, 
in  m.  that   thy   brother    hath 

i  Zech.  xii.    1  ee  ;   have  there  thy 

pour  upon  the  house  of  David,    gift    before    thr  altar,  and    go 

and   op  n    the    inhab  iled  to 

ilem,  the  Spirit  d  then  come,  and 

I  thy  gift 
B  b 


290  The  Larger  Catechism. 

Christ  °,  and  of  their  new  obedience  w ;  and  by  re- 
newing  the  exercise  of  these  graces  %  by  serious 
meditation  y,  and  fervent  prayer x. 

Q.  172.  May  one  who  donbtcth  of  his  being  in 
Christ j  or  of  his  due  preparation,  come  to  the 
fiord's  supper  ? 

A.  One  who  doubteth  of  his  being  in  Christ, 
or  of  his  due  preparation  to  the  sacrament  of  the 
Lord's  supper,  may  have  true  interest  in  Christ, 
though  he  be  not  yet  assured  thereof a ;  and  in 
God's  account  hath  it,  if  he  be  duly  affected  with 
the  apprehension  of  the  want  of  it b,  and  unfeign- 
edly  desires  to  be  found  in  Christ0,  and  to  depart 

n  John  vii.  37. — Jesus   stood  that  walketh  in  darkness  and 

and  cried,  saying,    If  any  man  hath  no  light  ?  let  him  trust  in 

thirst,    let  him  come  unto  me,  the  name  of  the  Lord,  and  stay 

and  drink.     Is.  lv.    I.  Luke  i.  upon  his    God.     1   John  v.  13. 

S3.    He  hath  filled  the  hungry  These  things    have    1  written 

with  good  things .—  unto   you  that    believe  on  the 

w  1  Cor.  v.  8.   Therefore  let  name  of  the  Son  of  God :   that 

us  keep  the  feast,  not  with  old  ye  may  know  that  ye  haveeter- 

leaven — but  with  the  unleaven-  nal  life,  and  that  ye  may  believe 

ed  bread  of  sincerity  and  truth,  on  the  name  of  the  Son  of  God. 

*  Keb.  x.  21,  22.  And  having       b    Is.  liv.  7,    8—10.     For    a 

an  high  priest  over  the  house  of  small  moment  have  I  forsaken 

God,   let  us  draw  near  with  a  thee,   but  with    great   mercies 

true  heart,  in  full  assurance  of  will    I  gather  thee.    In  a  little 

faith,  having  our  hearts  sprink-  wrath  1  hid  my  face  from  thee, 

ed  from  an  evil  conscience,  and  for  a  moment;    but  with  ever- 

our  bodies  washed  with    pure  lasting    kindness   will    I    have 

water,    v.  24.     And  let  us  con-  mercy  on  thee,  saith  the  Lord, 

sider  one  to  another,    to  pro-  thy  Redeemer.    For  the  moun- 

voke   unto  love   and    to    good  tains  shall  depart,  and  the  hills 

■works    Ps.  xxvi.  6.  be  removed,  but  my  kindness 

s  1  Cor.  xi.   24.    This  do,  in  shall  not  depart  from  thee,  nei- 

remembrar.ee  of  me.  ther    shall  the  covenant  of  my 

1  Matt  xxvi    26.— Jesus  took  peace   be   removed,  saith    the 

bread  and  blessed   it.    2    Chr.  Lord,  that  hath  mercv  on  thee, 

xxx.  IS,  19.  .&c.  Matt.  v.  3,  4.  Ps.  xxxi.  22. 

a  Is.    1.  10     Who    is  among        c  Ps  x;ii.  11.    Why  art  thou 

vou,  that  feareth  the  Lord,  that  cast  down,  O  my  soul ?  and  why 

th  the  voice  of  his  servant,  art  thou  disquieted  within  me  ? 


The  Larger  Catechism.  291 

from  iniquity4  ;  in  which  case  (because  promises 
are  made,  and  this  sacrament  is  appointed,  for 
the  relief  even  of  weak  and  doubting  Christians  e) 
he  is  to  bewail  his  unbelief f,  and  labour  to  have 
his  doubts  resolved  s  ;  and,  so  doing,  he  may  and 
ought  to  come  to  the  Lord's  supper  ;  that  he  may 
be  further  strengthened  h. 

Q.  173.  May  any  voho  profess  the  faith,  and 
desire  to  come  to  the  Lord's  supper  be  kept  from 
it? 

A.  Such  as  are  found  to  be  ignorant  or  scanda- 
lous, notwithsanding  their  profession  of  the  faith, 
and  desire  to  come  to  the  Lord's  supper,  may  and 
ought  to  be  kept  from  that  sacrament  by  the 
power  which  Christ  hath  left  in  his  church1,  un- 

hope  thou  in  God,  for  I  shall  yet  f  Mark  ix.  24.— And  said  with 

praise  him,  who  is  the  health  tears,  Lord  I  believe,  help  thou 

of  my    countenance,    and    my  mine  unbelief. 

God.  g  Acts  xvi.  30 — And  brought 

d  2  Tim.  ii.  19.    Nevertheless  them  out  and  said,  Sirs,    what 

the  foundation  of  God  standeth  must  I  do  to  be  saved  ?   Acts 

sure,    having    this    seal,    The  ix.  6. 

Lord   knoweth  them  that   are  h  1  Cor.  xi.  28.  But  let  a  man 

his.     And,  Let  every  one  that  examine  himself,  and  so  let  him 

nameth  the  name  of  "Christ  de-  eat  of  that  bread,  and  drink  of 

part    from  iniquity.     Rom.  vii.  that  cup.     Matt  xi.  28. 

24,  25.   O  wretched  man  that  I  j  1  Cor-  xi.  29.    For  he  that 

am,  who  shall  deliver  me  from  eateth  and  drinketh  unworthily, 

the  body  of  this  death  !  I  thank  eateth  and  drinketh  damnation 

God    thro*    Jesus    Christ    our  [judgment]  to  himself,  not  dis- 
cerning the  Lord's  body.  1  Cor. 

e  Matt.  xxvi.  28.    For  thia  is  v.  11.    But  now  1  have  wi 

my  blood,  of  the   New  Testa-  unto  you,  not  to  keep  c<  d 

.  which  is  shed  for  many  if  any  man  that  is  calitd  a 
for  the  remission  of  sins.  Matt,  brother  be  a  fornicator,  or  cove- 
xi.  28.  Come  unto  me,  all  ye  I  an  idolater,  or  a  rafter, 
that  labour  and  are  heavy  la-  or  a  drunkard,  or  an  extortion- 
den,  and  I  will  give  you  rest  er,  with  such  an  cue,  no  net  to 
11.  29.31.  Matt.  vii.  6.  Ju.le 


292  The  Larger  Catechism. 

til  they  receive  instruction,  and  manifest  their  re- 
formation k, 

Q.  174.  What  is  required  of  them  that  receive 
the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  supper  in  the  time  of 
the  administration  of  it  ? 

A.  It  is  required  of  them  that  receive  the  sa- 
crament of  the  Lord's  supper,  that,  during  the 
time  of  the  administration  of  it,  with  all  holy  re- 
verence and  attention  they  wait  upon  God  in 
that  ordinance  l,  diligently  observe  the  sacrament- 
al elements  and  actions111,  heedfully  discern  the 
Lord's  body  n,  and  affectionately  meditate  on  his  • 
death  and  sufferings0,  and  thereby  stir  up  them- ; 
selves  to  a  vigorous  exercise  of  their  graces  p  ;  in 
judging  themselves  *  and  sorrowing  for  sin r ;  in 
earnest  hungering  and  thirsting  after  Christ  %  feed- 

k  Gal.  vi.  1.    Brethren,  if  a  is  given  for  you  :  this  do  in  re- 
man  be  overtaken  in  a  fault,  membrance  of  me. 
ye  which  are  spiritual,  restore  p  Eph.  iii.  17,  18,  19.     That  I 
such   a    one   in    the    spirit    of  ye  being  rooted  and  grounded 
meekness ;  considering  thyself,  in  love ;   may  be  able  to  corn- 
iest thou  also  be  tempted.  prehend  with  all  saints,  what  is 

1  Heb  xii.  28.  Wherefore  we  the  breadth,   and  length,   and 

receiving  a  kingdom  which  can-  depth,  and  height :  and  to  know 

not    be    moved,    let   us    have  the  love  of  Christ  which  passeth 

grace,  whereby  we  may  serve  knowledge,  that  ye  might  be 

God     acceptably,    with    reve-  filled   with   all  the  fulness   of 

rence  and  Godly  fear.  Lev.  x.  3.  God. 

m  Gal.  iii.  1. — Before  whose  *  1  Cor.   xi.   31.     For  if  we 

eyes  Jesus  Christ  hath  been  evi-  would    judge     ourselves,     we 

dently  set  forth,  crucified  among  should  not  be  judged, 

you.  r  Zech.   xii.   10.    And  they 

n  1  Cor.  xi.  29.     For  he  that  shall  look  upon  me,  whom  they 

eateth  and  drinketh  unworthily,  have  pierced,  and  they  shall 

eateth  and  drinketh  damnation  mourn. 

to  himself,  not  discerning  the  %  Rev.  xxii.  17.  And  the  Spirit 

Lord's  body.  and  the  bride  say,  Come.    And 

°  Luke  xxii  19.  And  he  took  let  him  that  heareth,say,Come; 

bread,   and    gave  thanks,    and  and  let  him  that  is  athirst  come; 

brake  it,  and  gave  unto  them,  and   whosoever  will,    let  him 

saying,  This  is  my  body  which  take  the  water  of  life  freely. 


The  Larger  Catechism.  293 

ing  on  him  by  faith  \  receiving  of  his  ful- 
ness u ;  trusting  in  his  merits  %v,  rejoicing  in  his 
love  x,  giving  thanks  for  his  grace  y  ;  in  renewing 
of  their  covenant  with  Gocl%  and  love  to  all  the 
saints  \ 

Q.  175.  What  is  the  duty  of  Christians,  after 
they  have  received  the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's 
supper  ? 

A.  The  duty  of  Christians,  after  they  have 
received  the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  supper,  is 
seriously  to  consider  how  they  have  behaved  them- 
selves  therein,  and  with  what  success  b ;  if  they 
find  quickening  and  comfort,  to  bless  God  for  it c, 
beg  the  continuance  of  it d,  watch  against  relapses6, 
fulfil  their  vows f,  and  encourage  themselves  to 

■  Gal.  ii.   20.     And  the  life   us  join  ourselves  to  the  Lord  in 
-which  I  now  live  in  -the  tlesh,   a  perpetual  covenant  that  shall 
I  live  by  the  faith  of  the  Son  of  not  be  forgotten.     Ps.  1.  5. 
God,  who  loved  me,   and  gave        a  1  Cor.  x.  17.     For  we  be- 
lli mself  for  me.     John  vi.  35.       ing  many  are  one  bread,  and 

u  John  i.  16.    And  of  his  ful-  one  body  ;  for  we  are  all  par- 

ness  have  ali  we  received,  and  takers  of  that  one  bread.  Acts 

grace  for  grace.     Col.  i.  19.  ii.  42. 

•'  Phil.  iii.  9.    And  be  found  b  1  Cor.  xi.  17.  SO,  31.     Ps. 

in  him,  not  having   mine  own  lxxiii.  28. 

righteousness   which   is   of  the  c  2  Cor.  ii.  14     Now  thanks 

Jaw,  but  that  which  is  through  be    unto    God,    which  -:.' 

the  faith  of  Christ,  the  righte-  cause                riurnph  in  Christ. 

ousness,   which    is  of   God  by  Acts  ii.  42.  46,  47. 

faith.  •>    Rom.    xv.    13.    Now    the 

■  I4>et.  i.  18.  Whom  having  God  of  hope  fill  yen  with  all 
not  seen  ye  lovej  in  wl  tnd  peace  in  believing,  that 
though  now  ye  see  him  not,  ye  may  abound  in  hone,  through 
yet  believing,  ye                with  the  | 

joy    unspeakable    and    full    of  Vs.  xxxvi  10. 
glory.     2  Chr.  xxx  21.  ■  1   Cor.  x     12.    \\ 

lim  that  thinketh 
Bat  and  be  satisfied :  they  shall   eth,    take    heed    lest 
praise  the  Lord  that  seek  him  ; 
your  heart  sliall  live  for  ever.         •  i's.   1.    14.     Offer  unt 

Jer,  I.  5.    Come,   and  let  thanksgiving,     and    pay     thy 

H  b  J 


^94 


The  Larger  Catechism. 


a  frequent  attendance  on  that  ordinance  &  :  but  if 
they  find  no  present  benefit,  more  exactly  to  re- 
view  their  preparation  for,  and  carriage  at  the 
sacrament h  ;  in  both  which  if  they  can  approve 
themselves  to  God  and  their  own  consciences, 
they  are  to  wait  for  the  fruit  of  it  in  due  time l : 
but  if  they  see  they  have  failed  in  either,  they  are 
to  be  humbled  k,  and  to  attend  upon  it  afterward 
with  more  care  and  diligence  . 

Q.  176.  TVherein  do  the  sacraments  of  baptism 
and  the  Lord's  supper  agree  ? 

A.  The  sacraments  of  baptism  and  the  Lord's 
supper  agree,  in  that  the  author  of  both  is  God  m  ; 
the  spiritual  part  of  both  is  Christ  and  his  benefits n; 


vows    unto    the    Most    High. 

i  1  Cor.  xi.  25,  26.  Ps.  xxvii. 
4.     Acts  ii.  42. 

b  Ps.  lxxvii.  6.  I  commune 
with  mine  own  heart,  and  my 
spirit  made  diligent  search. 
Ps.  cxx-xix.  23,  24.  Search  me, 
O  God,  and  know  my  heart ; 
try  me,  and  know  my  thoughts: 
And  see  if  there  be  any  wicked 
way  in  me,  and  lead'sie  in  the 
"way  everlasting. 

1  Ps.  cxxiii.  i,  2.  Unto  thee 
lift  I  up  mine  eyes,  O  thou  that 
dwellest  in  the  heavens.  Behold, 
as  the  eyes  of  servants  look 
unto  the  hand  of  their  masters ; 
>  and  as  the  eyes  of  a  maiden  un- 
to the  hand  of  her  mistress:  so 
our  eves  wait  upon  the  Lord 
our  God,  until  that  he  have 
rnercv  upon  us.     Is.  viii.  17. 

k  Hos.  xiv.  2.  Take  with  you 
words,  and  turn  to  the  Lord  ; 
say  unto  him,  Take  away  all 
iniquity,  and  receive  us  gra- 
ciously'; so  will  we  render  ths 


calves  of  our  lips.  Hos.  vu  1,  2. 

•  2  Cor.  vii.  11.  For  behold, 
this  self-same  thing  that  ye  sor- 
rowed after  a  godly  sort,  what 
carefulness  it  wrought  in  you, 
yea,  what  clearing  .  of  your- 
selves, yea,  what  indignation, 
yea,  what  fear,  yea,  what  ve- 
hement desire,  yea,  what  zeal, 
yea,  what  revenge  !  In  all 
things  ye  have  approved  your- 
selves to  be  clear  in  this  matter. 
1  Chr.  xv.  12—14. 

m  Matt,  xxviii.  19.  Go  ye 
therefore  and  teach  all  nations, 
baptizing  them  in  the  name  of 
the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and 
of  the  Holy  Ghost.  1  Co?  xi  23. 
For  I  have  received  of  the  Lord, 
that  which  also  I  delivered  unto 
you,  That  the  Lord  Jesus,  the 
same  night  in  which  he  was 
betrayed,  took  bread,  Sec. 

n  Rom.  vi.  3,  4.  Know  ye 
not,  that  so  many  of  us  as  were 
baptized  into  Jesus  Christ,  were 
baptized  into  his  death  ?  There- 


The  Larger  Catechism.  295 

both  are  seals  of  the  same  covenant  %  are  to  be 
dispensed  by  ministers  of  the  gospel  and  by  none 
other p,  and  to  be  continued  in  the  church  of 
Christ  until  his  second  coming q. 

Q.  177.  Wherein  do  the  sacraments  of  baptism 
and  the  Lord's  supper  differ  ? 

A.  The  sacraments  of  baptism  and  the  Lord's 
supper  differ,  in  that  baptism  is  to  be  administer- 
ed but  once,  with  water,  to  be  a  sign  and  seal  of 
our  regeneration  and  ingrafting  into  Christ r,  and 

fore  we  are  buried  with  him  by  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of 
baptism  into  death  ;  that  like  the  Holy  Ghost.  1  Cor.  xi.  23. 
as  Christ  was  raised  up  from  For  I  have  received  of  the  Lord, 
the  dead  by  the  glory  cf  the  that  which  also  I  delivered 
Father,  even  so  we  also  should  unto  you,  That  the  Lord  Jesus, 
walk  in  newness  of  life.  1  Cor.  the  same  night  in  which  he  was 
x.  16.  The  cup  cf  blessing,  betrayed,  took  bread.  1  Cor. 
which  we  bless,  is  it  not  the  iv.  1.  Let  a  man  so  account  of 
communion  of  the  blood  of  us,  as  of  the  ministers  of  Christ, 
Christ  ?  The  bread  which  we  and  stewards  of  the  mysteries 
break,  is  it  not  the  communion  of  God.  Heb.  v.  4. 
of  the  body  of  Christ?  q  Matt,  xxviii.  20.  Teaching 

°  Col.  ii.  11,  12.  Tn  whom  them  (all  nations)  to  observe 
also  ye  are  circumcised  with  all  things  whatsoever  I  have 
the  circumcision  made  without  commanded  you ;  and  lo,  I  am 
hands,  in  putting  cf7  the  body  with  you  alway,  even  to  the 
of  the  sins  of  the  Mesh  by  the  end  of  the  world.  1  Cor.  xi. 
circumcision  of  Christ;  buried    26.    For  as  often  as  ye  eat  this- 

iim  in   baptism,  wherein    bread,   and   drink  this  cup,  ye 

ye    are    risen    with    him    do  shew  the  Lord's  death  until 
through  the  faith  of  the  opera-   he  come. 

of  God,  who  hath  raised  him  T  Matt.  hi.  11.  I  indeed  bap- 
from  the  dead.  Compared  with  tize  you  with  water  unto  re- 
Kom.  iv.  11.  Matt.  xxvi.  27,  28.  pentance  ;  but  he  that  cometh 
And  he  took  the  cup,  and  gave  after  me  is  mightier  than  1, 
thanks,  and  t;;ive  it  to  them,  whose  shoes  I  am  not  worthy 
Baying,   Drink  ye  all  of  it;  for    to  bear;   he  shah  Inpti: 

is  my  blood  of  the  New   with  the  II  ly  Ghost,  and  with 
Testament,  which  is  shed   for   lire.     Tit    iii.   5      Gal.  iii    27. 
many  for  the  remission  of  sins.    For   as  main 
Matt,  xxviii.  19.Go ye  there-  been  baptized  i 

and  teach  all  nations,  bap-   put  on  Cb 
•      i 


296 


T/ie  Larger  Catechism. 


that  evert 'to  infants  s;  whereas  the  Lord's  supper 
is  to  be  administered  often,  in  the  elements  of 
bread  and  wine,  to  represent  and  exhibit  Christ 
as  spiritual  nourishment  to  the  soul ',  and  to  con- 
firm our  continuance  and  growth  in  him u,  and 
that  only  to  such  as  are  of  years  and  ability  to  ex- 
amine themselves  w. 

Q.  178-  What  is  prayer  ? 

A.  Prayer  is  an  offering  up  of  our  desires 
unto  God  x  in  the  name  of  Christ y,  by  the  help 
of  his  Spirit z ;  with  confession  of  our  sins  %  and 
thankful  acknowledgment  of  his  mercies  b. 


*  Acts  ii.  38,  39.  Repent  and 
be  baptized  every  one  of  you, 
for  the  promise  is  unto  you, 
and  to  your  children.  1  Cor. 
vii.  14.  The  unbelieving  wife  is 
sanctified  by  the  husband,  else 
were  your  children  unclean ; 
but  now  are  they  holy. — See 
Q.  166.  letter  °. 

c  1  Cor.  xi.  26.  For  as  often 
as  ye  eat  this  bread,  and  drink 
this  cup,  ye  do  shew  the  Lord's 
death  till  he  come.  Col.  ii. 
19. — Not  holding  the  head,  from 
which  all  the  body  by  joints 
and  bands  having  nourishment 
ministered,  and  knit  together, 
increaseth  with  the  increase  of 
God. 

u  1  Cor.  x.  16.  The  cup  of 
blessing  which  we  bless,  is  it 
not  the  communion  of  the 
blood  of  Christ? — The  bread 
which  we  break,  is  it  not  the 
communion  of  the  body  of 
Christ  ?  Eph.  iv.  15,  16. 

w  1  Cor.  xi.  28.  But  let  a 
man  examine  himself,  and  so 
let  him  eat  of  that  bread,  and 
drink  of  that  cup. 

*  Ps.  lxiL  3.    Trust  in  him 


at  all  times ;  ye  people,  pour 
out  your  heart  before  him : 
God  is  a  refuge  for  us. 

>•  John  xvi.  23,  24.  Whatso- 
ever ye  shall  ask  the  Father 
in  my  name,  he  will  give  it 
you.  Hitherto  have  ye  asked 
nothing  in  my  name :  ask,  and 
ye  shall  receive,  that  your  joy 
may  be  full. 

*  Rom.  i.  26.  Likewise  the 
Spirit  also  helpeth  our  infirmi- 
ties, for  we  know  not  what  we 
should  pray  for  as  we  cught ; 
but  the  Spirit  itself  maketh  in- 
tercession for  us  with  groanings, 
which  cannot  be  uttered. 

a  Dan.  ix.  4.  And  I  prayed 
unto  the  Lord  my  God,  and 
made  my  confession.  Ps.  xxxii^ 
5,  6, — I  said,  I  will  confess  my 
transgressions  unto  the  Lord, 
and  thou  forgavest  the  iniquity 
of  my  sin  ;  Selah.  For  this  shall 
every  one  that  is  godly  pray 
unto  thee,  in  a  time  when  thou 
mayest  be  found. 

b  Phil.  iv.  6.  In  every  thing 
by  prayer  and  supplication,  with 
thanksgiving,  let  your  requests 
be  made  knowa-  untc  God. 


The  Larger  Catechism.  297 

Q.  179.  Are  we  to  pray  unto  God  only  ? 

A.  God  only  being  able  to  search  the  heart  % 
hear  the  requests  d,  pardon  the  sins  %  and  fulfil  the 
desires  of  all f ;  and  only  to  be  believed  in  s,  and 
worshipped  with  religious  worship  h:  prayer, which 
is  a  special  part  thereof*,  is  to  be  made  by  all  to 
him  alone k,  and  to  none  other  \ 

Q.  180.  What  is  it  to  pray  in  the  name  of  Christ? 

A.  To  pray  in  the  name  of  Christ,  is,  in  obe- 
dience to  his  command,  and  in  confidence  on  his 
promises,  to  ask  mercy  for  his  sake  m  :  not  by 
bare  mentioning  of  his  name"  ;  but  by  drawing 

/     e  1  Kings  viii.  39.  Th oil,  even  •    1    Cor.    i.    2.      Unto    the 

thou  only  knowest  the  hearts  of  church  of  God,  which  is  at  Co- 

all  the  children  of  men.  Actsi.  rinth,  to  them  that  are  sancti- 

24.  And  they  prayed  and  said,  fied   in  Christ  Jesus,  called  to 

Thou,    Lord,    which    knowest  be  saints,  with  all  that  in  every 

the   hearts  of   all    men,  shew  place   call   upon  the  name    of 

whether  of  these  two  thou  hast  Jesus    Christ    our   Lord,    both 

chosen.     Rom.  viii.  27.  theirs  and  curs. 

d  Ps.  lxv.  2.  O  thou  that  k  Is.  xlii.  8.  I  am  the  Lord  : 
nearest  prayer,  unto  thee  shall  that  is  my  name  ;  and  my  glory- 
all  flesh  c  will  I  not  give  to  another,  nei- 

e  Mi'                 Who  is  a  God  ther  my  praise  to  graven  ima- 

like  u                   that  pardoneth  ges.    Luke  iv.  8.    Ps.  1.  15. 

iniquity                        *.  i    by    the  l  Jer.  iii.  53.  Truly  in  vain  is 

transgression  ox  Uie  remnant  of  salvation   hoped  for  from   the 

his  heritage  ?  hills,  and  from  the  multitude  of 

f    Ps.    ex' v.    16.    19.      Thou  mountains;  truly  in  the  Lord 

opencst  thin     ':and,   and  sat:s-  our  God  is  the  salvation  of  Is* 

nest  the  de                  ny  living  rael.    Jer.  xiv.  22    Horn.  x.  14, 

thing.— He  wil II  fulfil  the  desire  ■    John    xiv.    13,    14.      And 

of  them  that  fear  him.  whatsoever  ye  shall  ask  in  my 

Jam.  xxii    31,  32 — Who  name,   that  will  1  do,  that  the 

,  save  the  Lord?  and  who  Father  may  be  glorified  m  the 

ir  God?   John  Son.     If  ye  shall  *sk  any  thing 

xiv.  1      Let  not  your  hearts  be  in  my  name,  I  will  do  it".    Dun 

troubled  ;  ye  believe  in  God.  i\. 

11  Matt  iv.    10.     Then  saith  r  Luke  vi.  46    And  wh; 

Jesus  unto  him,  Get  thee  hei  ;md  do  not 

Satan  ;   for  it  is  written,  1  'hings  which  I 

shah  worship  the  Lord  thy  God,  vii.  21. 
and  him  only  shalt  thou  serve 


298  The  Larger  Catechism. 

our  encouragement  to  pray,  and  our  boldness, 
strength,  and  hope  of  acceptance  in  prayer,  from 
Christ  and  his  mediation  °. 

Q.  181.    Why  are  we  to  pray  in  the  name  of 
Christ  ? 

A.  The  sinfulness  of  man,  and  his  distance 
from  God  by  reason  thereof,  being  so  great,  as 
that  he  can  have  no  access  into  his  presence  with- 
out a  mediator  p,  and  there  being  none  in  heaven 
or  earth  appointed  to,  or  fit  for,  that  glorious 
work  but  Christ  alone q,  we  are  to  pray  in  no 
other  name  but  his  only r. 

Q.  182.  How  doth  the  Spirit  help  us  to  pray  ? 
A.  We  not  knowing  what  to  pray  for  as  we 

c  Heb.  iv.  14,  15,  16.  Seeing  God  by  him,  seeing  he  ever 
then  that  we  have  a  great  high  liveth  to  make  intercession  for 
priest,  that  is  passed  into  the  them.  For  such  an  high  priest 
heavens,  Jesus  the  Son  of  God,  became  us,  who  is  holy,  harm- 
let  us  hold  fast  our  profession,  less,  undefiled,  separate  from 
For  we  have  not  an  high  priest  sinners,  and  made  higher  than 
which  cannot  be  touched  with  the  heavens ;  who  needeth  not 
the  feeling  of  our  infirmities;  daily,  as  those  high  priests,  to 
out  was  in  all  points  tempted  offer  up  sacrifice,  first  for  his 
like  as  we  are,  yet  without  sin.  own  sins,  and  then  for  the  peo- 
Let  us  therefore  come  boldly  pie's :  for  this  he  did  once, 
unto  the  throne  of  grace,  that  when  he  offered  up  himself. 
v;e  may  obtain  mercy,  and  find  1  Tim.  ii.  5.  For  there  is  one 
grace  to  help  in  time  of  need.  God,  and  one  mediator  be- 
2  John  v.  13,  14,  15.  tween  God  and  men,  the  man 

p  John  xiv.  6  Jesus  saith  unto  Christ  Jesus.     John  vi.  27. 

him,  I  am  the  way,  and  the  r  Col.  III.   17.     And  whatso- 

truth,    and   the  life  ;   no  man  ever  ye  do,  in  word  or  deed, 

cometh  unto   the    Father  but  do  all  in  the  name  of  the  Lord 

by  me.     Eph.  iii.  12.  In  whom  Jesus,   giving    thanks  to   God, 

we  have  baldness  and  access  and  the  Father  by  him.    Heb. 

with  confidence  by  the  faith  of  xiii.  15.     By  him  therefore  let 

him.  us  offer  the  sacrifice  of  praise 

i  Heb.  vii.  25.  27,  28.  Where-  to  God  continually,  that  is,  the 

fcre  he  is  able  also  to  save  them  fruit  of  our  lips,  giving  thanks 

to  the  uttermost,  that  come  unto  to  his  name. 


The  Larger  Catechism. 


299 


ought,  the  Spirit  helpeth  our  infirmities,  by  ena- 
bling us  to  understand  both  for  whom,  and  what, 
and  how  prayer  ib  to  be  made ;  and  by  working 
and  quickening  in  our  hearts  (although  not  in  all 
persons,  nor  at  all  times  in  the  same  measure) 
those  apprehensions,  affections  and  graces,  which 
are  requisite  for  the  right  performance  of  that 
duty  \ 

Q.  183.  For  whom  are  we  to  pray  ? 

A.  We  are  to  pray  for  the  whole  church  of 
Christ  upon  earth  ',  for  magistrates  u  and  minis- 
ters w,  for  ourselves x,  our  brethren y,  yea  our 
enemies z ;  and  for  all  sorts  of  men  living  %  or 
that  shall  live  hereafter b ;  but  not  for  the  dead  % 


*  Rem.  viii.  26.  Likewise  the 
Spirit  also  helpeth  our  infir- 
mities ;  for  we  know  not  what 
we  should  pray  for  as  we  ought. 
But  the  Spirit  itself  maketh  in- 
tercession for  us,  with  groan- 
ings  which  cannot  be  uttered, 
Sec.  Ps.  lxxx.  18.  Quicken 
us,  and  we  will  call  upon  thy 
name.  Ps.  x.  17.  Zech  xii.  10. 

f  Eph.  vi.  18.  Praying  al- 
ways with  all  prayer  and  sup- 
plication in  the  Spirit,  and 
watching  thereunto  with  all 
perseverance,  and  supplication 
for  all  saints.  Ps  xxviii.  9.  Save 
thy  people,  and  bless  thine  in- 
heritance ;  feed  them  also,  and 
lift  them  up  for  ever. 

u  1  Tim.  ii  1.  I  exhort 
therefore,  that  first  of  all,  sup- 
plications, prayers,  inti 
sions,  and  giving  of  thanks  be 
mat)*"  for  all  men;  for  kinrs, 
and  for  all  that  are  in  auth<  rity. 

w  2  Thess  iii.  1.  Finally, 
brethren,  pray  lor  us,  that 


word  of  the  Lord  may  have 
free  course,  and  be  glorified, 
even  as  it  is  with  you ;  &c. 
Col.  iv.  3. 

*  Gen.  xxxii.  11.  Deliver  me, 

1  pray  thee,  from  the  hand  of 
my  brother,  from  the  hand  of 
Esau  ;  for  I  fear  him,  lest  he 
will  come  and  smite  me,  and 
the  mother  with  the  children. 

y  Jam.  v.  16.  Pray  one  for 
another,  that  ve  may  be  healed. 

2  Thess.  i.  11. 

7  Matt.  v.  44.  Pray  for  them 
that  despitefully  use  you,  and 
persecute  you. 

a  1  'lim.  ii.  1,  2.  (See  above 
in  u.) 

:in  xvii.  20.  Neither  pray  I 
for  these  alone,  but  for  them  also 
who  shall  l>elieve  on  methrough 
their  word     J  Sam.  vii   29. 

c  2  Sun    xii.    23.     But   now 

,  wherefi  re  should  I 

fast?   Can    I   bring  him   back 

again  ?  I  shall  go  to  him,  but  he 

shall  not  return  to  " 


300 


The  Larger  Catechism. 


nor  for  those  that  are  known  to  have  sinned  the 
sin  unto  death d. 

Q.  184^  For  -what  things  are  we  to  pray  ? 

A.  We  are  to  pray  for  all  things  tending  to 
the  glory  of  God  %  the  welfare  of  the  church f, 
our  own  g  or  others  good  h ;  but  not  for  any  thing 
that  is  unlawful  K 

Q.  185,  How  are  we  to  pray? 

A.  We  are  to  pray  with  an  awful  apprehension  of 
the  majesty  of  Godk,  and  deep  sense  of  our  own  un- 
worthiness ',  necessities"1  and  sinsn;  with  penitent0, 


d  1  John  v.  16.  There  is  a 
sin  unto  death  ;  I  do  not  say- 
that  he  shall  pray  for  it. 

•  Matt.  vi.  9.  Our  Father 
-who  art  in  heaven,  Hallowed 
be  thy  name.    Ps.  li.  18. 

f  Ps.  li.  18.  Do  good  in  thy 
good  pleasure  unto  Zion,  build 
thou  the  walls  of  Jerusalem. 
Ps.  cxxii.  6.  Pray  for  the  peace 
of  Jerusalem ;  they  shall  pros- 
per that  love  thee. 

g  Matt.  vii.  11.  If  ye  then,  be- 
ing evil,  know  how  to  give  good 
gifts  unto  your  children,  how 
much  more  shall  your  Father 
which  is  in  heaven  give  good 
things  to  them  that  ask  him  ? 

h  Ps.  cxxv.  4.  Do  good,  O 
Lord,  unto  those  that  be  good ; 
and  to  them  that  are  upright  in 
their  hearts.  1  Thess.  v.  23.  and 
2  Thess.  iii.  16. 

j  1  John  v.  14.  And  this  is 
the  confidence  that  we  have  in 
him,  that  if  we  ask  any  thing 
according  to  his  will  he  heareth 
us.  Jam.  iv.  3.  Ye  ask  and  re- 
ceive not,  because  ye  ask 
amiss. 


k  Ps.  xxxiii.  8.  Let  all  the 
earth  fear  the  Lord:  let  all  the 
inhabitants  of  the  world  stand 
in  awe  of   him.     Ps.    xcv.    6. 

0  come,  let  us  worship  and 
bow  down ;  let  us  kneel  before 
the  Lord  our  Maker. 

1  Gen.  xviii.  27.  And  Abraham 
answered  and  said,  Behold,  now 

1  have  taken  upon  me  to  speak 
unto  the  Lord,  which  am  but 
dust  and  ashes.     Ps.  cxliv.  3. 

m  Ps.  lxxxvi.  1.  Bow  down 
thine  ear,  O  Lord,  hear  me ; 
for  I  am  poor  and  needy.  Luke 
xv.  17. 

n  Ps.  cxxx.  3.  If  thou,  Lord, 
shouldest  mark  iniquities,  O 
Lord,  who  shall  stand  ?  Luke 
xviii.  13.  And  the  publican  stand- 
ing afar  off  would  not  lift  up  so 
much  as  his  eyes  unto  heaven, 
but  smote  upon  his  breast,  say- 
ing, God  be  merciful  to  me  a 
sinner. 

°  Ps.  li.  17.  The  sacrifices 
of  God  are  a  broken  spirit ;  a 
broken  and  a  contrite  heart,  O 
God,  thou  wilt  not  despise. 
Zech.  xii.  10,  &c 


The  Larger  Catechism. 


301 


thankful  p  and  enlarged  hearts  *;  with  under- 
standings faith5,  sincerity1,  fervency",  love w, 
and  perseverance31,  waiting  upon  him  y  with  hum- 
ble submission  to  his  will z. 

Q.  186.  What  rale  hath  God  given  for  our  di- 
rection in  the  duty  of  prayer  ? 

A.  The  whole  word  of  God  is  of  use  to  direct 
us  in  the  duty  of  praying* ;  but  the  special  rule 
of  direction  is  that  form  of  prayer  which  our 
Saviour  Christ  taught  his  disciples,  commonly 
called,  The  Lord's  Prayer  \ 

Q.  187.  How  is  the  Lord's  prayer  to  be  used? 


p  Phil.  iv.  6.  In  every  thing 
by  prayer  and  supplication, 
with  thanksgiving,  let  your  re- 
quests be  made  known  unto 
v.  18. 

■  Ps.  Ixxxi.  10.  Open  thy 
mouth  wide,  and  I  will  fill  it. 
Eph.  lii.  20,  21.  Now  unto  him 
that  is  able  to  do  exceeding 
abundantly  above  all  that  we 
ask  or  think,  according  to  the 
r  that  worktth  in  us,  unto 
him  be  glory  In  the  church,  &c. 

r  1  Cor.  xiv.  15.  What  is  it 
?  1  will  pray  with  the  spi- 
rit, and  I  will  pray  with  the 
understanding  also. 

I  Heb.  x-   22.     Let  us  draw 

—in  full  assurance  of  faith, 

Jam   i.  6.   But  let  him  ask 

in  faith,  nothing  wavering. 

r  Heb    x.   '22.     Let  us  draw 

I    m  ue    heart.     Ps. 

cxlv.  18.  The  Lord  is  nigh  unto 

all  them  that  call  upon  him, — 

in  truth.  Ps  xvii.  1.  John  n  . 

II  Jam.  v.  16.  The  effectual 
fervent  prayer  of  a  righteous 
man  aval  let  h  much. 

w  1  Tim.  ii.  8.    1  will  there- 


fore that  men  pray  every  where, 
lifting  up  holy  hands  without 
wrath  and  doubting.  Matt.  v. 
23,  24. 

*  Eph.  vi.  13.  Praying  al- 
ways with  all  prayer  and  sup- 
plication in  the  Spirit,  and 
watching  thereunto  with  all 
perseverance. 

i  Micah  vii.  7.  Therefore  I 
will  look  unto  the  Lord;  I 
will  wait  for  the  God  of  my 
salvation :  my  God  will  hear 
me. 

*  Matt  xxvi.  39.  And  he 
went  a  little  further,  and  fell 
on  his  face,  and  prayed,  say- 
ing, O  my  Father,  if  it  be  pos- 
sible, let  this  cup  pass  from  me: 
nevertheless,  not  as  I  will,  but 
as  thou  wilt. 

a2Tim.  iii.  16,  17.  All  scrip- 
ture is  given  by  inspiration  of 
God,  and  U  profitable  for  doc 
— that  the  man  of  God 
may  be  perfect,  thoroughly  fur- 
nished unto  all  good  works.  1 
John  v    11. 

Matt.  vi.  9,  10,  11,   12,  13. 
I,uke  xi.  2,  3,  4. 

C  c 


302 


The  Larger  Catechism. 


A.  The  Lord's  prayer  is  not  only  for  direction, 
as  a  pattern  according  to  which  we  are  to  make 
other  prayers  ;  but  may  be  also  used  as  a  prayer, 
so  that  it  be  done  with  understanding,  faith,  re- 
verence, and  other  graces  necessary  to  the  right 
performance  of  the  duty  of  prayer0. 

Q.  188.  Of  how  many  parts  doth  the  Lord's 
prayer  consist  ? 

A.  The  Lord's  prayer  consists  of  three  parts, 
a  preface,  petitions,  and  a  conclusion. 

Q.  189.  What  doth  the  preface  of  the  Lord's 
prayer  teach  us  ? 

A.  The  preface  of  the  Lord's  prayer  (contain- 
ed in  these  words,  Our  Father  who  art  in  heaven  d) 
teacheth  us,  when  we  pray,  to  draw  near  to  God 
with  confidence  of  his  fatherly  goodness,  and  our 
interest  therein  e ;  with  reverence,  and  all  other 
child-like  dispositions*,  heavenly,  affections  &,  and 
due  apprehensions  of  his  sovereign  power,  ma- 


c  Matt,  vl  9.  After  this  man- 
ner, pray  ye.  Luke  xi.  2.  When 
ve  pray,  say.  Our  Father,  Sec. 

d  Matt.  vi.  9. 

e  Luke  xi.  13.  If  ye  then 
being  evil,  know  how  to  give 
good  gifts  unto  your  children; 
how  much  more  shall  your  hea- 
venly Father  give  the  Holy 
Spirit  to  them  that  ask  him  I 
Rom.  viii.  15. 

f  Ps.  xcv.  6,  7.  Let  us  kneel 
before  the  Lord  our  Maker,  for 
he  is  our  God  ;  and  we  are  the 
people  of  his  pasture,  and  the 
sheep  of  his  hand.     Is   lxiv.  9. 

s  Ps.  cxxiii.  1.  Unto  thee 
lift  I  up   mine    eves,    O  thou 


that  dwellest  in  the  heavens. 
Lam.  iii.  41.  Let  us  lift  up  our 
heart,  with  our  hands  unto 
God  in  the  heavens. 

b  Ps.  civ.  1,  2,  3.  Bless  the 
Lord,  O  my  soul  :  O  Lord  my 
God,  thou  art  very  great ;  thou 
art  clothed  with  honour  and 
majesty.  Is.  lxiii.  15.  Look 
down  from  heaven,  and  behold 
from  the  habitation  of  thy  ho- 
liness and  of  thy  glory  :  where 
is  thy  zeal  and  thy  strength, 
the  sounding  of  thy  bowels* 
and  of  thy  mercies  towards  me  ? 
are  they  restrained  ?  Ps.  cxiii. 
4,  5,  6. 


The  Larger  Catechism.  503 

jesty  and   gracious  condescension  h :    as  also  to 
pray  with  and  for  others  ». 

Q  190.  What  do  we  pray  for  in  the  first 
petition  ? 

A.  In  the  first  petition  (which  is,  Hallowed  be 
thy  namek)  acknowledging  the  utter  inability  and 
indisposition  that  is  in  ourselves  and  all  men  to 
honour  God  aright*1,  we  pray,  that  God  would  by 
his  grace  enable  and  incline  us  and  others  to 
know,  to  acknowledge,  and  highly  to  esteem 
him  m,  his  titles",  attributes0,  ordinances,  word  p, 
works,  and  whatsoever  he  is  pleased  to  make 
himself  known  by  q;  and  to  glorify  him  in  thought, 
word  r  and  deed  s :  That  he  would  prevent  and  re- 

.  »  Acts.  xii.  5.  Peter  therefore  thy     greatness.      They    shall 

was  kept  in  prison;  but  prayer  abundantly  utter  the   memory 

was  made    without  ceasing  of  of  thy  great  goodness,  and  shall 

the  church  unto  God  for  him.  sing  of  thy  righteousness.    The 

Zech.  viii.  21.  Lord   is    gracious  ai:d    full   of 

k  Matt.  vi.  9.  compassion  ;  slow  to  anger,  and 

1  2  Cor.  iii.  5.     Not  that  we  of  great  mercy,  Sec.   Ps.  lxxxvi. 

are   sufficient  of  ourselves   to  10.  15. 

think  any  thing  as  cf  ourselves  :  p    2    Thess.    iii.    1.     Finally, 

but   our  sufficiency   is  of  God.  brethren,  pray  for  us,  that  the 

Ps.  li.  15.     O  Lord,  open  thou  word   of   the   Lord   ma\ 

my  lips,  and  my  mouth   shall  free    course   and   be    gi 

shew  forth  thy  praise.  even  as  it  is  with  vou.  Ps  c\  ii. 

m  Ps.   lxvii.  2,  3.     That  thy  31,   32.— Let   them    exalt  him 

way  may  be  known  upoft  earth,  also  in  the  congregation   of  the 

thy  saving  health  among  all  pa-  people,   and  praise  him  in  the 

Let    the    people   praise  assembly  of  the  elders.    2  Cor. 

thee,  O  God  ;   let  all  the  peo-  ii.  14. 

pie   pittite  thee.     Ps.  Ixxii.  19  i  Ps.  cxlv.  and  8  Throughout. 

Let  the  whole  earth   be    filled  r  Pa  xix.  14.    Let  the 

with  1,  nth,   and  the  n 

:ii.  18      That  men  I                                 tcceptablein 

may   know,  that   thou,    whose  thy  sight,  ()  L                   length 

ih,  art  the  and  n 

all  the  earth.  ■    Phil,    i     II.    Being  filled 

,  8.     And  men  with  the  fruits  of  rig 

shall  speak  of  the  might  of  thy  which  ai 1                    Christ  unto 

terrible  acts;  and  I  will  declare  the  glory  and  prai^' 


504 


The  Larger  Catechism. 


move  atheism  %  ignorance0,  idolatry w,  profaae- 
ness  %  and  whatsoever  is  dishonourable  to  him  y ; 
and,  by  his  over-ruling  providence,  direct  and 
dispose  of  all  things  to  his  own  glory  z. 

Q.  191.  What  do  xue  pray  for  in  the  second 
petition  ? 

A.  In  the  second  petition  (which  is,  Thy  king- 
dom come*)  acknowledging  ourselves  and  all  man- 
kind to  be  by  nature  under  the  dominion  of  sin 
and  Satan  b,  we  pray,  that  the  kingdom  of  sin  and 
Satan  may  be  destroyed  %  the  gospel  propagated 
throughout  the  world d,  the  Jews  called6,  the  ful- 


*  Ps.  lxxix.  10-  Wherefore 
should  the  heathen  say,  Where 
is  their  God?  Let  him  be 
known  among  the  heathen  in 
our  sight.     Ps.  lxvii.  1 — 4. 

»  Eph.  i.  17,  18.  That  the 
God  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
the  Father  of  glory,  may  give 
unto  you  the  spirit  of  wisdom 
and  revelation  in  the  knowledge 
of  him  :  the  eyes  of  your  under- 
standing being  enlightened,  &c. 

w  Ps.  xcvii.  7.  Confounded 
be  all  they  that  serve  graven 
images,  that  boast  themselves  of 
idols,  worship  him  all  ve  gods. 

*  Ps.  lxxiv.  18.  22.  Remem- 
ber this,  that  the  enemy  hath 
reproached,  O  Lord,  and  that 
the  foolish  people  have  blas- 
phemed thy  name.  Arise,  O 
God,  plead  thine  own  cause, 
remember  how  the  foolish  man 
ieproacheth  thee  daily. 

9  Jer.  xiv.  21.  For  thy  name's 
sake,  do  not  disgrace  the  throne 
of  thy  glory.     2  Kings  xix.  16. 

z  Is.  lxiv.  1,  2.  Oh  that  thou 
wouldest  rend  the  heavens,  that 
thou  wouldest  come  down  that 


the  mountains  might  flow  down 
at  thy  presence  ? — To  make 
thy  name  known  to  thine  ad- 
versaries, that  the  nations  may 
tremble  at  thy  presence.  2  Chr. 
xx.  6.  10,  11,  12. 

a  Matt.  vi.  10. 

b  Eph.  ii.  2,  3.  Wherein  in 
time  past  ye  walked  according 
to  the  course  of  this  world,  ac- 
cording to  the  prince  of  the 
power  of  the  air,  the  spirit  that 
now  worketh  in  the  children  of 
disobedience:  among  whom — 
we  also  had  our  conversation  in 
times  past  in  the  lusts  of  our 
flesh ;  fulfilling  the  desires  of 
the  flesh,  and  of  the  mind  ;  and 
were  by  nature  the  children  of 
wrath,  even  as  others. 

c  Ps.  lxviii.  1.  Let  God  arise, 
let  his  enemies  be  scattered :  let 
them  also  that  hate  him,  flee 
before  him.     Rev.  xii.  9. 

d  2  Thess.  iii.  1.  Finally,  bre- 
thren, pray  for  us,  that  the  word 
of  the  Lord  may  have  free 
course,  and  be  glorified,  even  as 
it  is  with  you.     Ps.  lxvii.  2. 

•  Rom.  x.  1.    Brethren,  my 


The  Larger  Catechism, 


305 


ness  of  the  Gentiles  brought  inf ;  the  church  fur- 
nished  with  all  gospel-officers  and  ordinances*, 
purged  from  corruption h,  countenanced  and 
maintained  by  the  civil  magistrate  'l :  That  the  or- 
dinances of  Christ  may  be  purely  dispensed,  and 
made  effectual  to  the  converting  of  those  that  are 
yet  in  their  sins,  and  the  confirming,  comfort- 
ing and  building  up  of  those  that  are  already  con- 
verted k:  That  Christ  would  rule  in  our  hearts 
here  \  and  hasten  the  time  of  his  second  coming, 
and  our  reigning  with  him  for  ever  m  :  And  that 
he  would  be  pleased  so  to  exercise  the  kingdom 


prayer  to 
that    they 


heart's  desire,  and 
God  for  Israel  is, 
might  l^e  saved. 

f  Rom.  xi.  25.  For  I  would 
not,  brethren,  that  ye  should 
be  ignorant  of  this  mystery — 
that  blindness  in  part  is  hap- 
pened to  Israel,  until  the  fulness 
of  the  Gentiles  be  come  in.  Ps. 
ixvii.  1,  &c. 

e  Matt.  ix.  33.  Pray  ye  there- 
fore the  I^ord  of  the  harvest, 
that  he  will  send  forth  labour- 
ers into  his  liar. 

h  Eph.  v.  26,  27.  That  he 
might  sanctify  and  cleanse  it 
with  the  washing  of  water  by 
the  word,  that  he  mi^ht  present 
it  to  himself  a  glorious  church, 
not  having  spot,  or  wrinkle,  or 
any  such  thing;  but  that  it 
should  !>e  holy  and  without  ble- 
mish.    Mai.  'i.  11, 

1  1  Tim.  ii.  1,  2.  I  exhort, 
therefore,  that  tir^t  of  all  sup- 
plications,   prayers,     inu 

t  thanks  be 
••   for  all  men  ;    for  kings, 
and  for  all  that  are  in  authi 
that  we  may  lead  a  quiet 
peaceable  life,  in  all  godliness 


and  honesty.     Isaiah   xlix.    23. 

k  2  Cor.  iv.  2  — Nor  handling 
the  word  of  God  deceitfully, 
but  by  manifestation  of  trie 
truth,  commending  ourselves  to 
every  man's  conscience  in  the 
sight  of  God.  Aasxxvi.  18.  To 
open  their  eyes,  and  to  turn 
them  from  darkness  to  light, 
and  from  the  power  of  S 
unto  God,  that  t!-ey  may  re- 
ceive forgiveness  of  sins,  and 
inheritance  among  them  which 
are  sanctified.  2  Thess.  ii.  16, 
17  Now  our  Lord  Jesus  C 
himself,  and  God,  even  our 
Father,  comfort  your  hearts, 
and  establish  you  in  every  good 
word  and  work. 

1  Eph  lii.  14.  17.  For  this 
cause  I  bow  my  knees  unto  the 
Father  of  our  L  | 

— that  Christ  may  dwell  in  your 
hearts  by  faith.— 

■  Rev.   xxii.  20.     He  which 
ieth    these    tilings,    saith, 
Surely  1  come  quick:; 
Even  so,  come,  Lord  Jesw 
Tim.   ii.    12.     If   we  suffer, 
shall  also  reign  with  him.— 


50G 


The  Larger  Catechism, 


of  his  power  in  all  the  world,  as  may  best  con 
duce  to  these  ends  n. 

Q.  192.  What  do  we  pray  for  in  the  third  pe- 
tition ? 

A.  In  the  third  petition  (which  is,  Thy  will 
be  done  on  earth  as  it  is  in  heaven  °)  acknowledging 
that  by  nature  we  and  all  men  are  not  only  utterly 
unable  and  unwilling  to  know  and  do  the  will  of 
God  p,  but  prone  to  rebel  against  his  word  q,  to 
repine  and  murmur  against  his  providence  r,  and 
wholly  inclined  to  do  the  will  of  the  flesh,  and  of 
the  devil 8:  We  pray,  that  God  would  by  his  Spirit 
take  away  from  ourselves  and  others  all  blind- 
ness \  weakness u,  indisposedness  w ;  and  perverse- 


n  Ps.  xlv.  3,  4.  Gird  thy 
sword  upon  thy  thigh,  O  most 
mighty;  with  thy  glory  and 
thy  majesty.     See  letter  z. 

°  Matt.  vi.  10. 

p  1  Cor.  ii.  14.  The  natural 
man  receiveth  not  the  things 
of  the  Spirit  of  God  ;  for  they 
are  foolishness  unto  him  ;  nei- 
ther can  h  e  know  them ,  because 
they  are  spiritually  discerned 
Rom.  viii.  5.  8. 

9  Rom.  viii.  7.  Because  the 
carnal  mind  is  enmity  against 
God  ;  for  it  is  hot  subject  to  the 
law  of  God,  neither  indeed  can 
be. 

r  Matt  xx.  11,  12.  And  when 
they  had  received  U%  they  mur- 
mured against  the  good-man  of 
the  house,  saying,  These  last 
have  wrought  bat  one  hour, 
and  thou  hast  made  them  equal 
unto  us,  which  have  borne  the 
burden  and  heat  of  the  day. 
Ps  lxxiii.  3. 1  was  envious  at  the 
foolish,  when  1  saw  the  prospe- 
rity of  the  wicked. 


■  Eph.  ii  2,  3.  (See  letter  b.) 
Tit.  hi.  3.  For  we  ourselves  also 
were  sometimes  foolish,  disobe- 
dient, deceived,  serving  divers 
lusts  and  pleasures,  &G. 

'  Eph.  i.  17.  That  the  God 
of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the 
Father  of  glory,  may  give  unto* 
you  the  spirit  of  wisdom  and 
revelation  in  the  knowledge  of 
him,  the  eyes  of  your  under- 
standing being  enlightened, 
&c. 

n  Eph.  iii.  16.  That  he  would 
grant  you,  according  to  the 
riches  of  his  glory  ,to be  strength- 
ened with  might  by  his  Spirit 
in  the  inner  man. 

w  Matt.  xxvi.  40,  41.  And 
he  cometh  unto  the  disciples, 
and  findeth  them  asleep,  and 
saith  unto  Peter,  What,  could 
ye  not  watch  with  me  one 
hour  ?  Watch  and  pray,  that 
ye  enter  not  into  temptation : 
the  spirit  indeed  is  willing,  but 
the  flesh  is  weak.  Rom.  vii. 
24,  25'. 


The  Larger  Catechism.  507 

ness  of  heart  x,  and  by  his  grace  make  us  able  and 
willing,  to  know,  do,  and  submit  to  his  will  in  all 
things y,  with  the  like  humility  %  cheerfulness*, 
faithfulness6,  diligence0,  zeald,  sincerity*,  and 
constancy  f,  as  the  angels  do  in  heaven  *. 

Q.  193.  JVhat  do  roe  pray  for  in  the  fourth  pe- 
tition ? 

A.  In  the  fourth  petition  (which  is,  Give  us 
this  day  our  daily  bread*)  acknowledging  that  in 
Adam,  and  by  our  own  sin,  we  have  forfeited  our 
right  to  all  the  outward  blessings  of  this  life,  and 

*  Ez  xi.  19.  And  I  will  take   vi.    6.     Doing  the  will  of  God 
the   stony    heart    cut   of   their   from  the  heart 
flesh,   and   will   give   them   an        c  Ps  cxix   4. 
heart  of  flesh.     Jer.    xxxi.  18.        d  Rom.   xii.  1.     Not  si 
Thou  hast  chastised  me,  and  I    in  business,    fervent  in  spirit  : 
was  chastised,  as  a  bullock  un-    serving  the  Lord. 

tomed  to  the  yoke:   turn        e  2  Cor.  i.  12.     Our*Tej 
thou  me  and  I  shall  be  turned  ;    is  this,  the    testimony   of  our 
for  thou  art  the  Lord  my  God.    conscience,   that    in   simpHcky 

>'  Ps.  cxix.  S5.     Make  me  to   and   godly    sinceritv,   no! 
go  in  the  path  of  thy  command-   fleshly  wisdom,  but  by  the  grace 
irients;  for  therein  do  I  delight,    of  God,  we  have  had  oui 
Acts    xki.    14.     And   when  he    versation  in  the  world, 
would   not   be   persuaded,  we        *  Ps.  cxix.   112     I  have  in- 
Ceased,  saying,  The  will  of  the    dined   mine  heart  to  perform 
Lord  be  done.     1  Sam   iii    13.      thy  statutes  always,  even  to  the 
z  Ps.  cxxi  Id,  as  the    end.   Rom.  ii.  7.    To  them  who 

eyes  of  servants  look  unto  the  by  patient  continuance  in  well- 
hand  of  their  masters,  and  as   doing,    seek  for  glory,   and  ho- 

-s  of  a  maiden  unto  the   nour,  and  imn, 
hand  of  her   mistress ;   so  onr   life. 

ait   upon   the   Lord  our        p  lya    eiii.    20,  21,  22.     BVss 

2.  Micah  vi.  8.    the    Lord,  ye  his  angels,  that 

a  Ps.  c.    2.     Serve  the  Lord    excel   in  strength,    that   do  his 

•with  gladness  ;  r/ime  before  his   commandments,        hearkening 

presence  wi th  singing.  unto    the    vru  wi  rd. 

b   Is    xxx\iii.  3.     Remember   Bless   ye  the   Lord,   all  ye  his 

!  beseech  t  f  his  that 

have  walked  before  thee  do    h  -s    the 

in  truth,    and   with   a    perfect    Lord,    O    my   soul     Dan     vii. 

heart,     and    have    done    that    10. 

h  is  good  in  thy  sight.  Eph.       h  Matt,  vi  11. 


£08 


The  Larger  Catechism. 


. 


y 


deserve  to  be  wholly  deprived  of  them  by  God 
and  to  have  them  cursed  to  us  in  the  use  of  them  ', 
and  that  neither  they  of  themselves  are  able  to 
sustain  us  k,  nor  we  to  merit  \  or  by  our  own  in 
dustry  to  procure  them  m  ;  but  prone  to  desire 
get°,  and  use  them  unlawfully  p  :  We  pray  for 
ourselves  and  others,  that  both  they  and  we, 
waiting  upon  the  providence  of  God  from  day  to 
day  in  the  use  of  lawful  means,  may  of  his  free 
gift,  and  as  to  his  fatherly  wisdom  shall  seem  best, 
enjoy  a  competent  portion  of  themq,  and  have 
the  same  continued  and  blessed  unto  us  in  our  holy 
and  comfortable  use  of  them r,  and  contentment 


1  Gen.  iii.  17.  And  unto 
Adam  he  said: — Cursed  is  the 
ground  for  thy  sake ;  in  sorrow 
shalt  thou  eat  of  it  ail  the  days 
of  thy  life.  Lam.  iii.  22.  It  is 
of  the  Lord's  mercies  that  we 
are  not  consumed,  because  his 
compassions  fail  not.  Deut.  xviii. 
15.  to  the  end. 

k  Deut.  viii.  3.  And  he  hum- 
bled thee,  and  suffered  thee  to 
hunger,  and  fed  thee  with 
manna, — that  he  might  make 
thee  know,  that  man  doth  not 
live  by  bread  only,  but  by  every 
word  that  proceedeth  out  of  the 
mouth  of  the  Lord  doth  man 
live. 

1  Gen.  xxxii.  10.  I  am  not 
worthy  of  the  least  of  all  thy 
mercies,  and  of  all  the  truth, 
which  thou  hast  shewed  unto 
thy  servant. 

m  Deut.  viii.  18.  But  thou 
shalt  remember  the  Lord  thy 
God :  for  it  is  he  that  giveth 
thee  power  to  get  wealth.  Prov. 
x.  22. 

n  Luke  xii.  15.  Take  heed 
and  beware  of  covetousness. 
Jer.  vi.  13. 


°Hos.  xii.  7.  He  is  a  merchant, 
the  b  dances  of  deceit  are  in  his 
hand,  he  loveth  to  oppress. 

p  James  iv.  3.  Ye  ask  and 
receive  not,  because  ye  ask 
amiss,  that  ye  may  consume  it 
upon  your  lusts. 

9  Gen.  xxviii.  20.  And  Jacob 
vowed  a  vow,  saying,  If  God 
will  be  with  me,  and  will  keep 
me  in  this  way  that  I  go,  and 
will  give  me  bread  to  eat,  and 
raiment  to  put  on,  then  shall  the 
Lord  be  my  God.  Jam.  iv.  13. 
15.  Go  to  now  ye  that  say, 
To-day  or  to-morrow  we  will 
go  into  such  a  city,  and  con- 
tinue there  a  year,  and  buy  and 
sell  and  get  gain  ;  For  that  ye^ 
ought  to  say,  If  the  Lord  will, 
we  shall  live  and  do  this  or 
that.  Ps.  xc.  17.  And  let  the 
beauty  of  the  Lord  our  God  be 
upon  us,  and  establish  thou  the 
work  of  our  hands  upon  us, 
yea,  the  work  of  our  hands 
establish  thou  it.  Ps.  cxliv. 
12—15. 

r  1  Tim.  iv.  4,  5.  Every  crea- 
ture of  God  is  good,  and  no- 
thing to  be  refused,  if  it  be 


The  Larger  Catechism.  309 

in  them  ■ ;   and  be  kept  from  all  things  that  are 
contrary  to  our  temporal  support  and  comfort c. 

Q.  194.  What  do  we  pray  for  in  the  fifth 
petition  ? 

A.  In  the  fifth  petition  (which  is,  Forgive  us  our 
debts  as  we  forgive  our  debtors  u)  acknowledging 
that  we  and  all  others  are  guilty'  both  of  original 
and  actual  sin,  and  thereby  become  debtors  to 
the  justice  of  God,  and  that  neither  we  nor  any 
other  creature  can  make  the  least  satisfaction  for 
that  debt  w  :  We  pray  for  ourselves  and  others, 
that  God  of  his  free  grace  would,  through  the 
obedience  and  satisfaction  of  Christ  apprehended 
and  applied  by  faith,  acquit  us  both  from  the  guilt 
and  punishment  of  sin  x,  accept  us  in  his  Beloved  y, 
continue  his  favour  and  grace  to  us  %  pardon  our 

received    with    thanksgiving ;  and  Gentiles,  that  they  are  all 

for  it  is  sanctified  by  the  word  of  under  sin. — That  every  mouth 

God,  and  prayer.     Prov.  x.  22.  may    be  stopped,   and   all  the 

"  1  Tim.  vi    6.  8.     Godliness  world    may    become  guilty   be- 

with  contentment  is  great  gain,  fore  God.  Ps.  cxxx.  3.    If  thou, 

— And   having   food    and    rai-  Lord,  shouldest  mark  iniquities, 

ment  let  us  be  therewith  con-  O    Lord,    who    shall     stand? 

tent.  Micah  vi.  6,  7. 

c  Prov.  xxx.  8,  9.  Remove  *  Rom.  v.  19  — By  the  obe- 
far  from  me  vanity  and  lies —  dience  of  one  shall  many  be 
feed  me  with  food  convenient  made  righteous.  Rom.  iii.  24, 
for  me ;  lest  1  be  full  and  deny  25.  Being  justified  freely  by  his 
thee,  and  say,  Who  is  the  Lord?  grace,  through  the  redemption 
or  lest  I  be  poor,  and  steal,  and  that  is  in  Christ  Jesus ;  whom 
take  the  name  of  my  God  in  God  hath  set  forth  to  be  a  pro- 
vain,  pitiation   through    faith    in    his 

u  Matt.  vi.  12.  blood,  to  declare  his  righteous- 

w  Matt,  xviii.  24.    And  when  ness  for  the   remission   of  sins 

he  had  begun  to  reckon,  one  that  are  past,  through  the  for- 

was  brought   unto  him,  which  bearance  of  God.  Acts  xiii.  39. 

owed  him  ten  thousand  talents.  y  Eph.  i.  6.    To  the  praise  of 

Rom.  v.  19.    By  one  man's  dis-  the  glorv  of  his  grace,  wherein 

obedience    many    were     made  he  hath  made   us  accepted  in 

sinners    Rom.    iii    9—19.     We  the  Beloved. 

have  before  proved  both  Jews  ■  2  Pet.    i.    2.    Grace   and 


310  The  Larger  Catechism, 

daily  failings  %  and  fill  us  with  peace  and  joy,  in 
giving  us  daily  more  and  more  assurance  of  for- 
givenessb,  which  we  are  the  rather  emboldened  to 
ask,  and  encouraged  to  expect,  when  we  have 
this  testimony  in  ourselves,  that  we  from  the  heart 
forgive  others  their  offences c. 

Q.    195.    What  do  we  pray  for  in  the  sixth 
petition  ? 

A.  In  the  sixth  petition  (which  is,  And  lead 
us  not  into  temptation,  but  deliver  us  from  ev?Jd) 
acknowledging  that  the  most  wise,  righteous  and 
gracious  God,  for  divers  holy  and  just  ends,  may 
so  order  things,  that  we  may  be  assaulted,  foiled, 
and  for  a  time  led  captive  by  temptations e ;  that 
Satan  f,  the  world  g  and  the  flesh,  are  ready  pow- 
erfully to  draw  us  aside,  and  ensnare  ush;  and 

peace  be  multiplied  unto  you,  one  his  brother  their  trespasses, 

through  the  knowledge  of  God,  Matt.  vi.  14,  15. 

and  of  Jesus  our  Lord.  d  Matt.  vi.  13. 

a   Hos.   xiv.    2.     Take  with  e  2  Chr.  xxxii.  31.     God  left 

you    words,    and    turn    to   the  him  to  try  him,   that  he  might 

Lord:  say  unto  him,  Take  away  know  all  that  was  in  his  heart. 

all  iniquity,  and  receive  us  gra-  Job   ii.  6.     And  the  Lord  said 

ciously.  -Ps    cxliii.  2.  Enter  not  unto  Satan,  Behold,    he   is    in 

into  judgment  with  thy  servant,  thine   hand;  but  save  his  life, 

for  in   thy  sight  shall  no  man  f  1  Pet.   v.  8.     Be  sober,  be 

living  be  justified.  Ps.  cxxx.  3.  vigilant ;   because  your  adver- 

b    Rom.    xv.    13.     Now    the  sary  the  devil,  as  a  roaring  lion, 

God  of  hope  fill    you  with  all  walketh  about,  seeking  whom 

joy  and  peace  in  believing,  that  he  may  devour.     Job  ii.  2. 

ye  may  abound  in  hope  through  s  Luke    xxi.   34.    And   take 

the  power  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  heed  to  yourselves,  lest  at  any 

Rom.  v.  1,  2.     Ps.  xv.  7 — 12.  time  your  hearts  be  over-charg- 

c  Luke  xi.  4.     And  forgive  ed  with  surfeiting  and  drunk- 

us  our  sins ;  for  we  also  forgive  enness,  and  cares  of  this  life, 

every  one  that  is  indebted  to  and  so  that  day  come  upon  you 

us.     Matt,   xviii.  35.     So  like-  unawares.     Mark  iv.  19. 

wise  shall  my  heavenly- Father  h  Jam.  i.  14.     Every  man  is 

do  also  unto  you,  if  ye,  from  temi#:.ed,when  he  is  drawn  away 

your  hearts,  forgive  not  every  of  his  own  lust  and  enticed. 


The  Larger  Catechism.  311 

that  we,  even  after  the  pardon  of  our  sins,  by- 
reason  of  our  corruption',  weakness  and  want  of 
watchfulness  k,  are  not  only  subject  to  be  tempt- 
ed,  and  forward  to  expose  ourselves  unto  temp- 
tations \  but  also  of  ourselves  unable  and  un- 
willing to  resist  them,  to  recover  out  of  them, 
and  to  improve  them  m  ;  and  worthy  to  be  left 
under  the  power  of  them  n  :  We  pray,  that  God 
would  so  over-rule  the  world  and  all  in  it  °,  fcubdue 
the  flesh p,  and  restrain  Satan  q,  order  all  things r, 
bestow  and  bless  all  means  of  grace ',  and  quicken 

•  Gal.   v.    17.     Fcr  the  flesh  Chr.  xxi.  1,  2,  3,  4.  2  Chr.  xvi. 

usteth  against  the   spirit,  and  7,  8,  9,  10. 

:he    spirit    against    the    flesh;  n  Ps.   xviii.  11,  12.     But  my 

md  these  are  contrary  the  one  people   would    not  hearken  to 

:o  the  other ;  so  that  ye  cannot  my  voice,  and  Israel  would  none 

io  the  things   that   ye  would,  of  me.  So  I  gave  them  up  unto 

Rom.  vii.  18.  their   own   hearts'    lusts  :   and 

k  Matt.  xxvi.  41.  Watch  and  they  walked  in  their  own  coun- 

3ray  that    ye    enter    not    into  sels. 

;emptation;    the    spirit  indeed  °  John  xvii.    15.     I  pray  not 

swilling,  but  the  flesh  is  weak,  that  thou  shouldest  take  them 

1  Ec  ix.  12.    Man  also  know-  out  of  the  world,  but  that  thou 

?th  not  his  time  ;  as  the  fishes  shouldest  keep  them  from  the 

:hat   are  taken  in  an  evil  net,  evil.     Horn   viii.  28. 

md  as  the  birds  that  are  caught  p   Ps.    li.    10.     Create  in  me 

n  the  snare,  so  are  the  sons  of  a  clean  heart,  O  God ;  and  re- 

nen  snared    in   an    evil  time,  new  a  right  spirit  within  me. 

when   it  falleth  suddenly  upon  Ps.  cxix.  133.    Let  not  any  ini- 

hem.   1  Tim.  vi.  9.  They  that  quity  have  dominion  over  me. 

Ivill  be  rich,    fall  into  tempta-  *  Heb.  ii.  18.    Fur  in  that  he 

ion,  and  a  snare,  and  into  many  himself    hath    suffered,    being 

oolish  and  hurtful  lusts.    Prov.  tempted,  he  is  able  to  succour 

them  that  are  tempted.  1  Cor. 

,ph.    vi.    11,    12.     Put  on  \.    13.     God    is    faithful,    who 

he  whole  armour  of  God,  that  will  not  suff  r  y  u  to  be  tempted 

e  ma\                                   tinst  above  that  ye  are  able.    2  Cor. 

he  wiles  of  the  devil.    Fur  we 

not    against   flesh   and  r  Rom.  viii.  C8.  And  we  know 
•lood,    but    against    principali-  that   all   t  .                            .thcr 
gainst    powers,    against  I                          .. .  m   that    lore 
ers  of  tli-  darkness  ^vho  are  the  call- 
spiritual  ed  according  to  his  pun> 

ickedness  in  high  places.     1  *  Heb.  xih.  ^0,  21.    Now  the 


312  The  Larger  Catechism. 

us  to  watchfulness  in  the  use  of  them ;  that  we 
and  all  his  people  may  by  his  providence  be  kept 
from  being  tempted  to  sin l ;  or,  if  tempted,  that 
by  his  Spirit  we  may  be  powerfully  supported 
and  enabled  to  stand  in  the  hour  of  temptation  a 
or,  when  fallen,  raised  again  and  recovered  out  of 
itw,  and  have  a  sanctified  use  and  improvement 
thereof x;  that  our  sanctification  and  salvation 
may  be  perfected  y,  Satan  trodden  under  our  feet z, 
and  we  fully  freed  from  sin,  temptation,  and  all 
evil  for  ever a. 

Q.  196.  What  doth  the  conclusion  of  the  Lord's 
prayer  teach  us  ? 

God  of  peace — make  you  per-  you.     1  Pet.  i.  6,  7.    Wherein, 

feet  in  every  good  work,  to  do  ye  greatly  rejoice,  though  now 

his  will :   working  in  you  that  for  a  season  (if  need  be)  ye  are 

which   is   well  pleasing  in  his  in  heaviness  through  manifold 

sight,     through    Jesus    Christ,  temptations :    that  the  trial  of 

Eph.  lii.  11,  12.  your  faith,  being  much   more 

*  Matt,  xxv i.  41.  Watch  and  precious  than  that  of  gold  that 

pray,   that  ye   enter   not   into  perisheth,   though  it   be   tried 

temptation.     Ps.  xix.  13.  Keep  with  fire,  might  be  found  unto 

back  thy  servant  also  from  pre-  praise  and  honour  and  glory  at  I 

sumptuous  sins,    let  them   not  the  appearing  of  Jesus  Christ, 
have  dominion  over  me.  >'  1  Thess.  hi.  13.  To  the  end 

u  1  Cor.  x.  13.    God  is  faith-  he  may   establish  your  hearts  ' 

ful,  who  will  not  suffer  you  to  unblameable  in  holiness  before 

be  tempted  above  that  ye  are  God,  even   our  Father,   at  the 

able;  but  will  with  the  temp-  coming  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ 

tation  also  make  a  way  to  es-  with  all  his  saints, 
cape,  that  ye  may  be   able  to       z  Rom.  x.  20.     And  the  God 

bear  it.     Eph.  iii.  14,  15,  lb.  of  peace  shall  bruise  Satan  un-  ' 

w  Ps.  li.  12.  Restore  unto  me  der  your  feet  shortly. — 
the  joy  of  thy   salvation  ;  and        a  1  Thess.   v.  20.     And  the 

uphold  me  with  thy  free  Spirit,  very  God  of  peace  sanctify  you 

x  1  Pet.  v.  10.     But  the  God  wholly:    and  I  pray  God  your 
of  all  grace,   who  hath  called  •  whole  spirit,  and  soul,  and  body 

us  unto    his    eternal    glory   by  be    preserved    blameless   unto 

Christ  Jesus,  after  that  ye  have  the  coming  of  our  Lord  Jesus 

suffered  a  while,  make  you  per-  Christ, 
feet, establish,  strengthen,  settle 


The  Larger  Catechism. 


II 


Oio 


A.  The  conclusion  of  the  Lord's  prayer  (which 
is,  For  thine  is  the  kingdom,  and  the  power,  and  the 
glory,  for  ever.  Amen*)  teacheth  u*  to  enforce  our 
petitions  with  arguments0,  which  are  to  be  taken, 
not  from  any  worthiness  in  ourselves,  or  in  any 
other  creature,  but  from  God  d :  and  with  our 
prayers  to  join  praises6,  ascribing  to  God  lone 
eternal  sovereignty,  omnipotency  and  glorious 
excellency f;  in  regard  whereof,  as  he  is  able 
and  willing  to  help  uss,  so  we  by  faith  are  em- 
boldened to  plead  with  him  that  he  would  h,  and 


b  Matt.  vi.  13. 

c  Job  xxiii.  3,  4.  O  that  I 
knew  -where  I  might  find  him ! 
that  I  might  come  even  to  his 
seat !  I  would  order  my  cause 
before  him,  and  fill  my  moudi 
with  arguments.  Jer.  xiv.  20, 
21. 

*  Dan.  ix  4.  7,  8,  kc.  And 
I  prayed  unto  the  Lord  my 
God,  and  made  my  confession, 
and  said,  O  Lord,  the  great 
and  dreadful  God,  keeping  the 
covenant  and  mercy  to  them 
that  love  him,  and  to  them 
that  keep  his  commandments. 
O  Lord,  righteousness  belong- 
eth  unto  thee,  but  unto  us  con- 
fusion of  faces,  as  at  this  day. 
O  Lord,  to  us  belongeth  confu- 
sion of  face,  to  our  kings,  to  our 
princes,  and  to  our  fathers,  be- 
rause  we  have  sinned  against 
thee.  Verse  9.  To  the  Lord  God 
belong  mercies  and  forgive- 
nesses, though  we  have  rebelled 
against  him,  &c.  Verse  16 — 19. 

e  Phil.  iv.  6.    In  every  thing 
by  prayer  and  supplication,  with 
:r  requests 
be  made  known  unto  God. 

*  1    Chr.    x\i\.    10,    II, 

13.     And  David   said,   Bleated 


be  thou,  Lord  God  of  Israel, 
our  Father,  for  ever  and  ever. 
Thine, O  Lord,  is  the  greatness, 
and  the  power  and  the  glory,  and 
the  victory,  and  the  majesty:  for 
all  that  is  in  the  heaven  and  the 
earth  is  thine  ;  thine  ib  the 
kingdom,  O  Lord,  and  thou 
art  exalted  as  head  above  all. 
Both  riches  and  honour  come 
of  thee,  and  thou  reignest  over 
all;  and  in  thine  hand  is  y 
and  might,  and  in  thine  hand 
it  is  to  make  great  and  to  give 
strength  unto  all.  Kow  there- 
fore, our  God,  we  thank  thee 
and  praise  thy  glorious  name. 

e  Eph.  iii.  20,  21.  Now  unto 
him  that  is  able  to  do  exceed- 
ing abundantly  above  all  that 
we  ask  or  think,  according  to 
the  power  that  worketh  in  us : 
unto  him  be  glory  in  the  church 
irist  Jesus,  throughout  all 
ages  world  without  end.  A 
Lake  xi.  13.  If  ye  then  being 
e\il    k\  good 

gifts  unto  your  children  ;  how 
r  heavenly 
Father  give  the  Holy  S;;rit  to 

ask  him  }  P 
n. 

Ii  h.  iii   12.     In  whom  we 
D  d 


314 


The  Larger  Catechism. 


quietly  to  rely  upon  him  that  he  will  fulfil  our 
requests  \  And  to  testify  our  desires  and  assur- 
ance, we  say,  Amen  k. 


have  boldness  and  access  with 
confidence  by  the  faith  of  him. 
Heb.  x.  19,  20,  21,  22.  Having 
therefore,  brethren,  boldness 
M>  enter  into  the  holiest  by  the 
blood  of  Jesus,  by  a  new  and 
living  way  which  he  hath  con- 
secrated torus  through  the  vail, 
that  is  to  say,  his  flesh ;  and 
having  an  high  priest  over  the 
house  of  God;  let  us  draw  near 
with  a  true  heart,  in  full  assur- 
ance of  faith,  having  our  hearts 
sprinkled  from  an  evil  con- 
science, and  our  bodies  washed 
with  pure  water. 

1  1  John  v.  14  And  this  is 
the  confidence  that  we  have  in 
him,  that  if  we  ask  any  thing 


according  to  his  will,  he  hear- 
eth  us.  Rom.  viii.  32.  He  that 
spared  not  his  own  Son,  but  de- 
livered him  up  for  us  all,  how 
shall  he  not  with  him  also  free- 
ly give  us  all  things  ? 

k  1  Cor.  xiv.  16.  Else  when 
thou  shalt  bless  with  the  spirit, 
how  shall  he  that  occupieth  the 
room  of  the  unlearned  say, 
Amen,  at  thy  giving  of  thanks, 
seeing  he  understandeth  not 
what  thou  sayest  ?  Rev.  xxii. 
20,  21.  He  which  testitieth 
these  things,  saith,  Surely  I 
come  quickly.  Amen.  Even  so 
come,  Lord  Jesus.  The  grace 
of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  be 
with  you  all.    Amen. 


THE 


SHORTER  CATECHISM, 


HATIFIED  AND  ADOPTED 


Btf    THE 


SYNOD 


OF 


NEW-YORK  AND  PHILADELPHIA. 


Held  at  Philadelphia,  May  the  16th,  1788,  and  continued  by 
Adjournments  until  the  28th  of  the  same. 

PHILADELPHIA. 

PRINTED    FOR    AND    rUHLISBED    BT    W.    W.    WOODWARD, 
50.    52,    SOUTH    SECOND   STREET. 


Griggs  O*  Dickintont,  Printers. 
••••••••••••••••a* 

1815. 


THE 


SHORTER  CATECHISM*. 


Question  I.  WHAT  is  the  chief  end  of  man  ? 

Answer.  Man's  chief  end  is  to  glorify  God,  and 
to  enjoy  him  for  ever. 

Q.  2.  What  rule  hath  God  given  to  direct  us 
how  we  may  glorify  and  enjoy  him  ? 

A.  The  word  of  God,  which  is  contained  in 
the  scriptures  of  the  Old  and  New  Testaments,  is 
the  only  rule  to  direct  us  how  we  may  glorify 
and  enjoy  him. 

Q.  3.  What  do  the  scriptures  principally  teach? 

A.  The  scriptures  principally  teach,  what  man 
is  to  believe  concerning  God,  and  what  duty  God 
requires  of  man. 

Q.  4.  What  is  God? 

A.  God  is  a  Spirit,  infinite,  eternal,  and  un- 
changeable, in  his  being,  wisdom,  power,  holiness, 
justice,  goodness  and  truth. 

•  *  The  Shorter  Catechism  is,  simply  an  abridgment  of  the 
i  that  the  proof  of  both  must  be  th<  same.  The  read- 
er, trie  -"res  to  see  the  scripture  authorities  for  any 
doctrine  taught  in  this  catechism,  -will  turn  to  that  dcctr 
the  Larger  Catechism,  which  may  very  easily  be  done,  and 
there  he  will  find  the  necessary  texts  fully  referred  to,  or 
inserted.  It  was  judged  unnecessary  to  print  the  very  same  texts 
rwice  over. 

Dd2 


318  The  Shorter  Catechism. 

Q.  5.  Are  there  more  God's  than  one  ? 
A.  There  is  but  one  only,  the  living-  and  true 
God. 

Q.  6.  How  many  persons  are  there  in  the  God- 
head? 

A.  There  are  three  persons  in  the  Godhead; 
the  Father,  the  Son,  and  the  Holy  Ghost;  and 
these  three  are  one  God,  the  same  in  substance, 
equal  in  power  and  glory. 

Q.  7.  What  are  the  decrees  of  God? 

A.  The  decrees  of  God  are,  his  eternal  pur- 
pose  according  to  the  counsel  of  his  will,  where- 
by, for  his  own  glory,  he  hath  fore-ordained 
whatsoever  comes  to  pass. 

Q.  8.  How  doth  God  execute  his  decrees  ? 
A.  God  executeth  his  decrees  in  the  works  of 
creation  and  providence. 

Q.  9.  What  is  the  work  of  creation  ? 

A.  The  work  of  creation  is,  God's  making  all 
things  of  nothing,  by  the  word  of  his  power,  in 
the  space  of  six  days,  and  all  very  good. 

Q    10.  How  did  God  create  man  ? 

A.  God  created  man  male  and  female,  after  his 
own  image,  in  knowledge,  righteousness  and  holi- 
ness, with  dominion  over  the  creatures. 

Q.  11.  What  are  God's  works  of  providence  ? 

A.  God's  works  of  providence  are,  his  most 
holy,  wise,  and  powerful  preserving  and  governing 
all  his  creatures,  and  all  their  actions. 

Q.  12.  What  special  act  of  providence  did  God 
exercise  toward  man  in  the  estate  wherein  he  was 
created? 

A.  When  God  had  created  man,  he  entered 


The  Shorter  Catechism.  319 

into  a  covenant  of  life  with  him,  upon  condition 
of  perfect  obedience ;  forbidding  him  to  eat  of 
the  tree  of  knowledge  of  good  and  evil,  upon 
pain  of  death. 

Q.  13.  Did  our  first  parents  continue  in  the  es- 
tate wherein  they  were  created? 

A.  Our  first  parents,  being  left  to  the  freedom 
of  their  own  will,  fell  from  the  estate  wherein 
they  were  created,  by  sinning  against  God. 

Q.  14.  What  is  sin  ? 

A.  Sin  is  any  want  of  conformity  unto,  or 
transgression  of  the  law  of  God. 

Q.  15.  What  was  the  sin  whereby  our  first  pa- 
rents fell  from  the  estate  wherein  they  were 
created  ? 

A.  The  sin  whereby  our  first  parents  fell  from 
the  estate  wherein  they  were  created,  was  their 
eating  the  forbidden  fruit. 

Q.  16.  Did  all  mankind  fall  in  Adam's  first 
transgresssion  ? 

A.  The  covenant  being  made  with  Adam^  not 
only  for  himself,  but  for  his  posterity,  all  mankind 
descending  from  him  by  ordinary  generation,  sin- 
ned in  him,  and  fell  with  him  in  his  first  trans- 
gression. 

Q.  17.  Into  ivhat  estate  did  the  fall  bring  man- 
kind? 

A.  The  fall  brought  mankind  mto  an  estate  of 
sin  and  misery. 

Q.  13.  Wherein  consists  the  sinfulness  of  that 
estate  whereinto  man  fill? 

A.  The  sinfulness  of  that  estate,  whereinto 
man  fell,  consists  in  the  guilt  of  Adam's  first  sin, 


320  The  Shorter  Catechism. 

tlie  want  of  original  righteousness,  and  the  cor- 
ruption of  his  whole  nature,  which  is  commonly 
called  original  sin ;  together  with  all  actual  trans- 
gressions which  proceed  from  it. 

Q.  19.  What  is  the  misery  of  that  estate  where- 
into  man  fell? 

A.  All  mankind  by  their  fall  lost  communion 
with  God,  are  under  his  wrath  and  curse,  and  so 
made  liable  to  all  the  miseries  of  this  life,  to  death 
itself,  and  to  the  pains  of  hell  for  ever. 

Q.  20.  Did  God  leave  all  mankind  to  perish  in 
the  estate  of  sin  and  misery  ? 

A.  God,  having  out  of  his  mere  good  pleasure, 
from  all  eternity,  elected  some  to  everlasting  life, 
did  enter  into  a  covenant  of  grace,  to  deliver  them 
out  of  the  estate  of  sin  anil  misery,  and  to  bring 
them  into  an  estate  of  salvation  by  a  Redeemer. 

Q.  21.  Who  is  the  Redeemer  of  God's  elect? 

A.  The  only  Redeemer  of  God's  elect  is  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who,  being  the  eternal  Son  of 
God,  became  man,  and  so  was,  and  continued!  to 
be  God,  and  man,  in  two  distinct  natures,  and 
one  person  for  ever. 

Q.  22.  How  did  Christ  being  the  Son  of  God, 
become  man  ? 

A.  Christ,  the  Son  of  God,  became  man,  by 
taking  to  himself  a  true  body,  and  a  reasonable 
soul,  being  conceived  by  the  power  of  the  Holy 
Ghost,  in  the  womb  of  the  virgin  Mary,  and  born 
of  her,  yet  without  sin. 

Q.  23.  What  offices  doth  Christ  execute  as  our* 
Redeemer  ? 

A.  Christ,  as  our  Redeemer  executeth  the  oTV 


The  Shorter  Catechism.  321 

ficcs  of  a  prophet,  of  a  priest,  and  of  a  king,  both 
in  his  estate  of  humiliation  and  exaltation. 

Q.  24.  How  doth  Christ  execute  the  office  of  a 
prophet  ? 

A.  Christ  executeth  the  office  of  a  prophet,  in 
revealing  to  us,  by  his  word  and  Spirit,  the  will 
of  God  for  our  salvation. 

Q.  25.  How  doth  Christ  execute  the  office  of  a 
priest  ? 

A.  Christ  executeth  the  office  of  a  priest,  in 
his  once  offering  up  of  himself  a  sacrifice  to  satisfy 
divine  justice,  and  reconcile  us  to  God,  and  in 
making  continual  intercession  for  us. 

Q.  26.  How  doth  Christ  execute  the  office  of  a 
king? 

A.  Christ  executeth  the  office  of  a  king,  in 
subduing  us  to  himself,  in  ruling  and  defending 
us,  and  in  restraining  and  conquering  all  his  and 
our  enemies. 

Q.  27.  Wherein  did  Christ's  humiliation  consist? 

A.  Christ's  humiliation  consisted  in  his  being 
born,  and  that  in  a  low  condition,  made  under 
the  law,  undergoing  the  miseries  of  this  life,  the 
wrath  of  God,  and  the  cursed  death  of  the  cross  ; 
in  being  buried,  and  continuing  under  the  power 
of  death  for  a  time. 

Q.  28.  Wherein  consisteth  Christ's  exaltation  ? 

A.  Christ's  exaltation  consisteth  in  his  rising 
again  from  the  dead  on  the  third  day,  in  ascend- 
ing up  into  heaven,  in  sitting  at  the  right  hand  of 
God  the  Father,  and  in  coming  to  judge  the 
world  at  the  last  day. 


322  The  Shorter  Catechism. 

Q.  29.  How  are  we  made  partakers  of  the  re- 
demption purchased  by  Christ  ? 

A.  We  are  made  partakers  of  the  redemption 
purchased  by  Christ,  by  the  effectual  application  of 
it  to  us  by  his  Holy  Spirit. 

Q.  30.  How  doth  the  Spirit  apply  to  us  the  re- 
demption purchased  by  Christ  ? 

A.  The  Spirit  applieth  to  us  the  redemption 
purchased  by  Christ,  by  working  faith  in  us,  and 
thereby  uniting  us  to  Christ  in  our  effectual  calling. 

Q.  31.  What  is  effectual  calling  ? 

A.  Effectual  calling  is  the  work  of  God's  Spi- 
rit, whereby,  convincing  us  of  our  sin  and  mi- 
sery, enlightening  our  minds  in  the  knowledge  of 
Christ,  and  renewing  our  will,  he  doth  persuade 
and  enable  us  to  embrace  Jesus  Christ,  freely  of- 
fered  to  us  in  the  gospel. 

Q.  32.  What  benefits  do  they  that  are  effectually 
called  partake  of  in  this  life  ? 

A.  They  that  are  effectually  called  do  in  this 
life  partake  of  justification,  adoption,  sanctifica- 
tion,  and  the  several  benefits  which,  in  this  life, 
do  either  accompany,  or  flow  from  them. 

Q.  33.  What  is  justification  ? 

A.  Justification  is  an  act  of  God's  free  grace, 
wherein  he  pardoneth  all  our  sins,  and  accepteth 
us  as  righteous  in  his  sight,  only  for  the  righte- 
ousness of  Christ  imputed  to  us,  and  received  by 
faith  alone. 

Q.  34.  What  is  adoption  ? 

A.  Adoption  is  an  act  of  God's  free  grace, 
whereby  we  are  received  into  the  number,  and  have 
a  right  to  all  the  privileges  of  the  sons  of  God. 


The  Shorter  Catechism.  323 

Q.  35.  What  is  sanctification  ? 

A.  Sanctification  is  the  work  of  God's  free 
grace,  whereby  we  are  renewed  in  the  whole  man 
after  the  image  of  God,  and  are  enabled  more  and 
more  to  die  unto  sin,  and  live  unto  righteousness, 

Q.  36.  What  are  the  benefits  which  in  this  life 
do  accompany  or  fiow  from  justification  ^  adoption, 
and  sanctification  ? 

A.  The  benefits  which  in  this  life  do  accom- 
pany or  flow  from  justification,  adoption,  and  sanc- 
tification, are,  assurance  of  God's  love,  peace  of 
conscience,  joy  in  the  Holy  Ghost,  increase  of 
grace,  and  perseverance  therein  to  the  end. 

Q,  37.  What  benefits  do  believers  receive  from 
Christ  at  their  death  ? 

A.  The  souls  of  believers  are,  at  their  death, 
made  perfect  in  holiness,  and  do  immediately 
pass  into  glory ;  and  their  bodies,  being  still  unit- 
to  Christ,  do  rest  in  their  graves  till  the  resur- 
rection. 

Q.  38.  What  benefits  do  believers  receive  from 
Christ  at  the  resurrection  ? 

A.  At  the  resurrection,  believers,  being  raised 
up  to  glory,  shall  be  openly  acknowledged  and 
acquitted  in  the  day  of  judgment,  and  made  per- 
fectly blessed  in  the  full  enjoying  of  God  to  all 
eternity. 

Q-  39.  What  is  the  duty  which  God  requireth 
of  man  ? 

A.  The  duty  which  God  requireth  of  man,  is 
obedience  to  his  revealed  will. 

Q.  40.  What  did  God  at  first  reveal  to  man  for 
the  rule  of  his  obedience  ? 


324  The  Shorter  Catechism. 

A.  The  rule  which  God  at  first  revealed  to 
man,  for  his  obedience,  was  the  moral  law. 

Q.  41.  Wherein  is  the  moral  law  summarily 
comprehended  ? 

A.  The  moral  law  is  summarily  comprehended 
in  the  ten  commandments. 

Q.  42.  What  is  the  sum  of  the  ten  command- 
ments  ? 

A.  The  sum  of  the  ten  commandments  is,  To 
love  the  Lord  our  God  with  all  our  heart,  with 
all  our  soul,  with  all  our  strength,  and  with  all 
our  mind ;  and  our  neighbour  as  ourselves. 

Q.  43.  What  is  the  preface  to  the  ten  command- 
ments ? 

A.  The  preface  to  the  ten  commandments  is 
in  these  words,  I  am  the  Lord  thy  God,  which 
brought  thee  out  of  the  land  of  Egypt  and  out  of 
the  house  of  bondage. 

Q.  44.  What  doth  the  preface  to  the  ten  com- 
mandments  teach  us  ? 

A.  The  preface  to  the  ten  commandments 
teacheth  us,  That  because  God  is  the  Lord,  and 
our  God,  and  Redeemer ;  therefore  we  are  bound 
to  keep  all  his  commandments. 

Q.  45.  Which  is  the  first  commandment? 

A.  The  first  commandment  is,  Thou  shalt  have 
no  other  Gods  before  me. 

Q.  46.  What  is  required  in  the  first  command- 
ment ? 

A.  The  first  commandment  requireth  us  to 
know,  and  acknowledge  God  to  be  the  only  true 
God,  and  our  God ;  and  to  worship  and  glorify 
him  accordingly. 


The  Shorter  Catechism.  3BS 

Q.  47.  What  is  forbidden  in  the  first  command- 
ment ? 

A.  The  first  commandment  forbiddeth  the  de- 
nying, or  not  worshipping  and  glorifying  the  true 
God,  as  God,  and  our  God ;  and  the  giving  that 
worship  and  glory  to  any  other,  which  is  due  to 
him  alone. 

Q.  48.  What  are  we  specially  taught  by  these 
words  (Before  me)  in  the  first  commandment? 

A.  These  words  {Before  me)  in  the  first  com- 
mandment,  teach  us,  that  God,  who  seeth  all 
things,  taketh  notice  of,  and  is  much  displeased 
with,  the  sin  of  having  any  other  God. 

Q.  49.  Which  is  the  second  commandment  ? 

A.  The  second  commandment  is,  Thou  shaft 
not  make  unto  thee  any  graven  image,  or  any 
likeness  of  any  thing  that  is  in  heaven  above,  or 
that  is  in  the  earth  beneath,  or  that  is  in  the  wa- 
ter under  the  earth  :  thou  shalt  not  bow  down 
thyself  tQ  them,  nor  serve  them  :  for  I  the  Lord  thy 
God  am  a  jealous  God,  visiting  the  iniquity  of 
the  fathers  upon  the  children  unto  the  third  and 
fourth  generation  of  them  that  hate  me :  and 
shewing  mercy  unto  thousands  of  them  that  love 
me,  and  keep  my  commandments. 

Q.  50.  What  is  required  in  the  second  command- 
ment ? 

A.  The  second  commandment  requireth  the 
receiving,  observing  and  keeping  pure  and  en 
all  such  religious  worship  and  ordinances,  as  God 
hath  appointed  in  his  word. 

Q.  51.  What  is  forbidden  in  the  second  com- 
mandment ? 

E  e 


326  The  Shorter  Catechism. 

A.  The  second  commandment  forbiddeth  the 
worshipping  of  God  by  images,  or  any  other  way 
not  appointed  in  his  word. 

Q.  52.  What  are  the  reasons  annexed  to  the  se- 
cand  commandment  ? 

A.  The  reasons  annexed  to  the  second  com- 
mandment are,  God's  sovereignty  over  us,  his 
propriety  in  us,  and  the  zeal  he  hath  to  his  own 
worship. 

Q.  53.  Which  is  the  third  commandment  ? 

A.  The  third  commandment  is,  Thou  shalt 
not  take  the  name  of  the  Lord  thy  God  in  vain  : 
for  the  Lord  will  not  hold  him  guiltless  that  tak- 
eth  his  name  in  vain. 

Q.  54.  What  is  required  in  the  third  command- 
?nent  ? 

A.  The  third  commandment  requireth  the  holy 
and  reverent  use  of  God's  names,  titles,  attributes, 
ordinances,  word  and  works. 

Q.  55,  What  is  forbidden  in  the  third  command- 
ment  ? 

A.  The  third  commaudment  forbiddeth  all 
profaning  or  abusing  of  any  thing  whereby  God 
maketh  himself  known. 

Q.  56.  What  is  the  reason  annexed  to  the  third 
commandment  ? 

A.  The  reason  annexed  to  the  third  command- 
ment is,  That  however  the  breakers  of  this  com- 
mandment may  escape  punishment  from  men,  yet 
the  Lord  our  God  will  not  suffer  them  to  escape 
his  righteous  judgment. 

Q.  57.  Which  is  the  fourth  commandment? 

A.  The  fourth  commandment  is,  Remember 


The  Shorter  Catechism.  327 

the  sabbath-day  to  keep  it  holy.  Six  "days  shalt 
thou  labour,  and  do  all  thy  work  ;  but  the  seventh 
day  is  the  sabbath  of  the  Lord  thy  God  :  in  it  thou 
shalt  not  do  any  work,  thou,  nor  thy  son,  nor 
thy  daughter,  thy  man-servant,  nor  thy  maid- 
servant, nor  thy  cattle,  nor  thy  stranger  that  is 
within  thy  gates.  For  in  six  days  the  Lord  made 
heaven  and  earth,  the  sea,  and  all  that  in  them 
is,  and  rested  the  seventh  day  ;  wherefore  the 
Lord  blessed  the  sabbath-day,  and  hallowed  it. 

Q.  58.  fFhat  is  required  in  the  fourth  command- 
ment ? 

A.  The  fourth  commandment  requireth  the 
keeping  holy  to  God,  such  set  times  as  he  hath 
appointed  in  his  word  ;  expressly  one  whole  day 
in  seven,  to  be  a  holy  sabbath  to  himself. 

Q.  59.  Which  day  of  the  seven  hath  God  ap- 
pointed to  be  the  weekly  sabbath  ? 

A.  From  the  beginning  of  the  world  to  the  rer 
surrection  of  Christ,  God  appointed  the  seventh 
day  of  the  week  to  be  the  weekly  sabbath ;  and 
the  first  day  of  the  week,  ever  since,  to  continue 
to  the  end  of  the  world,  which  is  the  Christian 
sabbath, 

Q.  60.  Hoxv  is  the  sabbath  to  be  sanctified? 

A.  The  sabbath  is  to  be  sanctified  by  a  holy 
resting  all  that  day,  even  from  such  worldly  em- 
ployments and  recreations  as  are  lawful  on  other 
days ;  and  spending  the  whole  time  in  the  public 
and  private  exercises  of  God's  worship,  except  so 
much  as  is  to  be  taken  up  in  the  works  of  necessity 
and  mercy. 

Q.  61.  What  is  forbidden  in  the  fourth  com- 
mandment ? 


328  The  Shorter  Catechism. 

A*  The  fourth  commandment  forbiddeth  the 
omission,  or  careless  performance  of  the  duties 
required,  and  the  profaning  the  day  by  idleness, 
or  doing  that  which  is  in  itself  sinful,  or  by  unne- 
cessary thoughts,  words  or  works,  about  our 
worldly  employments  and  recreations. 

Q.  62.  What  are  the  reasons  annexed  to  the 
fourth  commandment  ? 

A.  The  reasons  annexed  to  the  fourth  com- 
mandment are,  God's  allowing  us  six  days  of  the 
week  for  our  own  employments,  his  challenging 
a  special  propriety  in  the  seventh,  his  own  exam- 
ple, and  his  blessing  the  sabbath-day, 

Q.  63.   Which  is  the  fifth  commandment  ? 

A*  The  fifth  commandment  is,  Honour  thy 
father  and  thy  mother :  that  thy  days  may  be  long 
upon  the  land  which  the  Lord  thy  God  giveth  thee. 

Q.  64.  What  is  required  in  the  fifth  command- 
ment  ? 

A.  The  fifth  commandment  requireth  the  pre- 
serving the  honour,  and  performing  the  duties 
belonging  to  every  one  in  their  several  places  and 
relations,  as  superiors,  inferiors,  or  equals. 

Q.  65.  What  is  forbidden  in  the  fifth  command- 
ment  ? 

A.  The  fifth  commandment  forbiddeth  the 
neglecting  of,  or  doing  any  thing  against,  the 
honour  and  duty  which  belongeth  to  every  one  in 
their  seve/al  places  and  relations. 

Q.  66.  What  is  the  reason  annexed  to  the  fifth 
commandment  ? 

A.  The  reason  annexed  to  the  fifth  command- 
ment is,  a  promise  of  long  life  and  prosperity  (as 


The  Shorter  Catechism.  329 

far  as  it  shall  serve  for  God's  glory,  and  their  own 
good)  to  all  such  as  keep  this  commandment. 

Q.  67.  Which  is  the  sixth  commandment  ? 

A.  The  sixth  commandment  is,  Thou  shaltnot 
kill. 

Q.  68.  IVhat  is  required  in  the  sixth  command- 
ment ? 

A.  The  sixth  commandment  requireth  all  law- 
ful endeavours  to  preserve  our  own  life,  and  the 
life  of  others. 

A.  69.  What  is  forbidden  in  the  sixth  command- 
ment? 

A.  The  sixth  commandment  forbiddeth  the 
taking  away  of  our  own  life,  or  the  life  of  our 
neighbour  unjustly,  or  whatsoever  tendeth  there- 
unto. 

Q.  70.  Which  is  the  seventh  commandment  ? 
A.  The  seventh  commandment  is,   Thou  shalt 
not  commit  adultery  ? 

Q.  71.  What  is  required  in  the  seventh  com- 
mandment ? 

A.  The  seventh  commandment  requireth  the 
preservation  of  our  own  and  our  neighbour's  chas- 
tity, in  heart,  speech  and  behaviour. 

Q.  72.  What  is  forbidden  in  the  seventh  com- 
mandment ? 

J.  The  seventh  commandment  forbiddeth  all 
unchaste  thoughts,  words  and  actions. 

Q.  73.  Which  is  the  eighth  commandment  ? 

A.  The  eighth  commandment  is,  Thou  shalt  not 
steal. 

Q.  74.  What  is  required  in  the  eighth  command- 
it  ? 

E  c  ? 


330  The  Shorter  Catechism. 

A.  The  eighth  commandment  requireth  the 
lawful  procuring  and  furthering  the  wealth  and 
outward  estate  of  ourselves  and  others. 

Q.  75.  What  is  forbidden  in  the  eighth  command- 
ment  ? 

A.  The  eighth  commandment  forbiddeth  what- 
soever doth,  or  may,  unjustly  hinder  our  own,  or 
our  neighbour's  wealth  or  outward  estate. 

Q.  76.  Which  is  the  ninth  commandment  ? 

A.  The  ninth  commandment  is,  Thou  shalt  not 
bear  false  witness  against  thy  neighbour. 

Q.  77.  What  is  required  in  the  ninth  command- 
ment ? 

A.  The  ninth  commandment  requireth  the 
maintaining  and  promoting  of  truth  between  man 
and  man,  and  of  our  own  and  our  neighbour's 
good  name,  especially  in  witness  bearing. 

Q.  78.  What  is  forbidden  in  the  ninth  command- 
ment? 

A.  The  ninth  commandment  forbiddeth  what- 
soever is  prejudicial  to  truth,  or  injurious  to  our 
own,  or  our  neighbour's  good  name. 

Q.  79.  Which  is  the  tenth  commandment  ? 

A.  The  tenth  commandment  is,  Thou  shalt  not 
covet  thy  neighbour's  housey  thou  shalt  not  covet 
thy  neighbour's  wife,  nor  his  man-servant,  nor  his 
maid- servant,  ?wr  his  ox,  nor  his  ass,  nor  any  thing 
that  is  thy  neighbour's. 

Q.  80.  What  is  required  in  the  tenth  command- 
ment  ? 

A.  The  tenth  commandment  requireth  full 
contentment  with  our  own  condition,  with  a  right 
and  charitable  frame  of  spirit  toward  our  neigh- 
bour, and  all  that  is  his. 


The  Shorter  Catechism.  331 

Q.  81.  What  is  forbidden  in  the  tenth  command- 
ment ? 

A.  The  tenth  commandment  forbiddeth  all 
discontentment  with  our  own  estate,  envying  or 
grieving  at  the  good  of  our  neighbour,  and  all 
inordinate  motions  or  affections  to  any  thing  that 
is  his. 

Q.  82.  Is  any  man  able  perfectly  to  keep  the  com- 
mandments of  God? 

A.  No  mere  man,  since  the  fall,  is  able,  in  this 
life,  perfectly  to  keep  the  commandments  of  God  ; 
but  doth  daily  break  them,  in  thought,  word  and 
deed. 

Q.  83.  Are  all  transgressions  of  the  law  equally 
heinous  ? 

A.  Some  sins  in  themselves,  and  by  reason  of 
several  aggravations,  are  more  heinous  in  the  sight 
of  God  than  others. 

Q.  84.  What  doth  every  sin  deserve? 

A.  Every  sin  deserveth  God's  wrath  and  curse, 
both  in  this  life  and  that  which  is  to  come. 

Q.  85.  What  doth  God  require  of  us,  that  we 
may  escape  his  wrath  and  curse,  due  to  us  for  sin  ? 

A.  To  escape  the  wrrath  and  curse  of  God,  due 
to  us  for  sin,  God  requireth  of  us  faith  in  Jesus 
Christ,  repentance  unto  life,  with  the  diligent  use 
of  all  the  outward  means  whereby  Christ  com- 
municateth  to  us  the  benefits  of  redemption. 

Q.  86.  What  is  faith  in  Jesus  Christ  ? 

A.  Faith  in  Jesus  Christ  is  a  saving  grace, 
whereby  we  receive  and  rest  upon  him  alone  for 
salvation,  as  he  is  offered  to  us  in  the  gospel. 

Q.  87.  What  is  repentance  unto  life  ? 


332  The  Shorter  Catechism. 

A.  Repentance  unto  life  is  a  saving  grace, 
whereby  a  shiner,  out  of  a  true  sense  of  his  sin, 
and  apprehension  of  the  mercy  of  God  in  Christ, 
doth,  with  grief  and  hatred  of  his  sin,  turn  from  it 
unto  God,  with  full  purpose  of,  and  endeavour 
after,  new  obedience. 

Q.  88.  What  are  the  outward  and  ordinary  means 
whereby  Christ  communicateth  to  us  the  benefits  of 
redemption  ? 

A.  The  outward  and  ordinary  means,  whereby 
Christ  communicateth  to  us  the  benefits  of  re- 
demption, are,  his  ordinances,  especially  the  word, 
sacraments,  and  prayer ;  all  which  are  made  effec- 
tual to  the  elect  for  salvation. 

Q.  89.  How  is  the  word  made  effectual  to  salva- 
tion ? 

A.  The  Spirit  of  God  maketh  the  reading,  but 
especially  the  preaching  of  the  word,  an  effectual 
mean  of  convincing  and  converting  sinners,  and 
of  building  them  up  in  holiness,  and  comfort, 
through  faith  unto  salvation. 

Q.  90.  How  is  the  word  to  be  read  and  heard, 
that  it  may  become  effectual  to  salvation  ? 

A.  That  the  word  may  become  effectual  to  sal- 
vation, we  must  attend  thereunto  with  diligence, 
preparation,  and  prayer  ;  receive  it  with  faith  and 
love,  lay  it  up  in  our  hearts,  and  practise  it  in 
our  lives. 

Q.  91.  How  do  the  sacraments  become  effectual 
means  of  salvation  ? 

A.  The  sacraments  become  effectual  means  of 
salvation,  not  from  any  virtue  in  them,  or  in  him 
that  doth  administer  them,  but  only  by  the  blessing 


The  Shorter  Catechism.  333 

of  Christ,  and  the  working  of  his  Spirit  in  them 
that  by  faith  receive  them. 

Q.  92.  What  is  a  sacrament  ? 

A.  A  sacrament  is  an  holy  ordinance  instituted 
by  Christ ;  wherein,  by  sensible  signs,  Christ  and 
the  benefits  of  the  new  covenant  are  represented, 
sealed  and  applied  to  believers. 

Q.  93.  Which  are  the  sacraments  of  the  New 
Testament  ? 

A.  The  sacraments  of  the  New  Testament  tar£ 
baptism  and  the  Lord's  supper. 

Q.  94.  What  is  baptism  ? 

A.  Baptism  is  a  sacrament,  wherein  the  wash- 
ing with  water,  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of 
the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  doth  signify  and 
seal  our  ingrafting  into  Christ,  and  partaking  of 
the  benefits  of  the  covenant  of  grace,  and  our 
engagement  to  be  the  Lord's. 

Q.  95.  To  whom  is  baptism  to  be  administered?. 

A.  Baptism  is  not  to  be  administered  to  any 
that  are  out  of  the  visible  church,  till  they  pro- 
fess their  faith  in  Christ,  and  obedience  to  him, 
but  the  infants  of  such  as  are  members  of  the 
visible  church,  are  to  be  baptized. 

Q.  96.  JVhat  is  the  Lord's  supper  ? 

A.  The  Lord's  supper  is  a  sacrament,  wherein, 
by  giving  and  receiving  bread  and  wine,  accord- 
ing to  Christ's  appointment,  his  death  is  shewed 
forth,  and  the  worthy  receivers  arc,  not  after  a 
corporal  and  carnal  manner,  but  by  faith  made 
partakers  of  his  body  and  blood,  with  all  his  be- 
nefits, to  their  spiritual  nourishment  and  growth 
in  grace. 


334  The  Shorter  Catechism. 

Q.  97.  What  is  required  to  the  worthy  recerti* 
ing  of  the  Lord's  supper  ? 

A.  It  is  required  of  thejn  that  would  worthily 
partake  of  the  Lord's  supper,  that  they  examine 
themselves,  of  their  knowledge  to  discern  the 
Lord's  body,  of  their  faith  to  feed  upon  him,  of 
their  repentance,  love,  and  new  obedience ;  lest* 
coming  unworthily,  they  eat  and  drink  judgment 
to  themselves. 

Q.  98.  What  is  prayer  ? 

A.  Prayer  is  an  offering  up  of  our  desires  unto 
God,  for  things  agreeable  to  his  will,  in  the  name 
of  Christ,  with  confession  of  our  sins,  and  thank- 
ful acknowledgment  of  his  mercies. 

Q.  99.  What  rule  hath  God  given  for  our  du 
rection  in  prayer  ? 

A.  The  whole  word  of  God  is  of  use  to  direct 
us  in  prayer,  but  the  special  rule  of  direction  is 
that  form  of  prayer  which  Christ  taught  his  dis- 
ciples, commonly  called,  The  Lord's  Prayer*. 

Q.  100.  What  doth  the  preface  of  the  Lord's 
prayer  teach  us  ? 

A.  The  preface  of  the  Lord's  prayer,  which  is, 
[Our  Father  which  art  in  heaven,)  teacheth  us  to 
draw  near  to  God  with  all  holy  reverence  and  con- 
fidence, as  children  to  a  father,  able  and  ready  to 
help  us,  and  that  we  should  pray  with  and  for 
others. 

Q.  101.  What  do  we  pray  for  in  the  first  peti- 
tion ? 

A.  In  the  first  petition,  which  is,  [Hallowed  be 
thy  name,)  we  pray  that  God  would  enable  us 
and  others  to  glorify  him  in  all  that  whereby  he 


The  Shorter  Catechism.  335 

maketh  himself  known,  and  that  he  would  dispose 
of  all  things  to  his  own  glory. 

Q.  102,  What  do  we  pray  for  in  the  second  pe- 
tition ? 

A.  In  the  second  petition,  which  is,  (Thy  king- 
dom come,)  we  pray  that  Satan's  kingdom  may  be 
destroyed,  and  the  kingdom  of  grace  may  be  ad- 
vanced, ourselves  and  others  brought  into  it,  and 
kept  in  it,  and  that  the  kingdom  of  glory  may  be 
hastened.  | 

Q.  103.  What  do  we  pray  for  in  the  third  peti- 
tion ? 

A.  In  the  third  petition,  whi^i  is,  ( Thy  will  be 
done  on  earth  as  it  is  in  heaven,)  we  pray  that 
God  by  his  grace  would  make  us  able  and  willing 
to  know,  obey,  and  submit  to  his  will  in  all  things 
as  the  angels  do  in  heaven. 

Q.  104.  What  do  we  pray  for  in  the  fourth  pe- 
tition ? 

A.  In  the  fourth  petition,  wrhich  is,  {Give  us 
this  day  our  daily  bread,)  we  pray  that  of  God's 
free  gift  we  .may  receive  a  competent  portion  of 
the  good  things  of  this  life,  and  enjoy  his  blessing 
with  them. 

Q.  105.  Wiat  do  we  pray  for  in  the  fifth  peti- 
tion ? 

A.  In  the  fifth  petition,  which  is,  {And  forgive 
us  our  debts,  as  we  forgive  our  debtors,)  we  pray 
th.it  God,  for  Christ's  sake,  would  freely  pardon 
all  our  sins  ;  which  we  are  the  rather  encouraged 
to  ask,  because  by  his  grace  we  are  enabled  from 
the  heart  to  forgive  others. 

Q.  10G.  What  do  we  pray  for  in  the  sixth peti 

tion  ? 


536  The  Shorter  Catechism. 

A.  In  the  sixth  petition,  which  is,  (And  lead 
us  not  into  temptation,  but  deliver  us  from  evil,)  we 
pray  that  God  would  either  keep  us  from  being 
tempted  to  sin,  or  support  and  deliver  us  when 
we  are  tempted. 

Q.  107.  What  doth  the  conclusion  of  the  Lord's 
prayer  teach  us  ?  • 

A.  The  conclusion  of  the  Lord's  prayer,  which 
is,  (For  thine  is  the  kingdom,  the  power  and  the 
glory  for  ever.  Amen.)  teacheth  us  to  take  our 
encouragement  in  prayer  from  God  only,  and  in 
our  prayers  to  praise  him,  ascribing  kingdom, 
power,  and  glory#o  him ;  and  in  testimony  of  our 
desire  and  assurance  to  be  heard,  we  say,  Amen. 


THE  TEN  COMMANDMENTS. 

EXODUS  XX. 

GO  D  spake  all  these  words,  saying,  I  am  the 
f  Lord  thy  God,  which  have  brought  thee 
out  of  the  land  of  Egypt,  out  of  the  house  of 
bondage. 

I.  Thou  shalt  have  no  other  gods  before  me. 

II.  Thou  shalt  not  make  unto  thee  any  graven 
image,  or  any  likeness  of  any  thing,  that  is  in  hea- 
ven above,  or  that  is  in  the  earth  beneath,  or  that 
is  in  the  water  under  the  earth.  Thou  shalt  not 
bow  down  thyself  to  them,  nor  serve  them  :  For 
I  the  Lord  thy  God  am  a  jealous  God,  visiting 
the  iniquity  of  the  fathers  upon  the  children  unto 


The  Shorter  Catechism.  337 

the  third  and  fourth  generation  of  them  that  hate 
me :  and  shewing  mercy  unto  thousands  of  them 
that  love  me,  and  keep  my  commandments. 

III.  Thou  shalt  not  take  the  name  of  the  Lord 
thy  God  in  vain  :  For  the  Lord  will  not  hold  him 
guiltless  that  taketh  his  name  in  vain. 

IV.  Remember  the  sabbath-day,  to  keep  it 
holy.  Six  days  shalt  thou  labour,  and  do  all  thy 
work.  But  the  seventh  day  is  the  sabbath  of  the 
Lord  thy  God  :  In  it  thou  shaltnot  do  any  work, 
thou,  nor  thy  son,  nor  thy  daughter,  thy  man- 
servant,  nor  thy  maid-servant,  nor  thy  cattle,  nor 
thy  stranger  that  is  within  thy  gates.  For  in  six 
days  the  Lord  made  heaven  and  earth,  the  sea 
and  all  that  in  them  is,  and  rested  the  seventh  day  : 
wherefore  the  Lord  blessed  the  sabbath- day  and 
hallowed  it. 

V.  Honour  thy  father  and  thy  mother :  that  thy 
days  may  be  long  upon  the  land  which  the  Lord 
thy  God  giveth  thee. 

'VI.  Thou  shalt  not  kill. 

VII.  Thou  shalt  not  commit  adultery. 

VIII.  Thou  shalt  not  steal. 

IX.  Thou  shalt  not  bear  false  witness  against 
thy  neighbour. 

X.  Thou  shalt  not  covet  thy  neighbour's  house, 
thou  shalt  not  covet  thy  neighbour's  wife,  nor  his 
man-servant,  nor  his  maid-servant,  nor  his  ox, 
nor  his  ass,  nor  any  thing  that  is  thy  neighbour's. 


o 


THE  LORD'S  PRAYER.    Matt.  vi. 

UR  Father  which  art  in  heaven,   hallowed 
be  thy  name.    Thy  kingdom  conic.    Thy 

F  f 


338  The  Shorter  Catechism. 

will  be  done  on  earth  as  it  is  in  heaven  :  Give  us 
this  day  our  daily  bread  :  And  forgive  us  our  debts 
as  we  forgive  our  debtors :  And  lead  us  not  into 
temptation,  but  deliver  us  from  evil.  For  thine 
is  the  kingdom,  and  the  power,  and  the  glory,  for 
ever.     Amen. 


THE  CREED. 

I  BELIEVE  in  God  the  Father  almighty, 
maker  of  heaven  and  earth ;  and  in  Jesus 
Christ  his  only  Son,  our  Lord,  who  was  conceiv- 
ed by  the  Holy  Ghost,  born  of  the  Virgin  Mary, 
suffered  under  Pontius  Pilate,  was  crucified,  dead 
and  buried ;  he  descended  into  hell  #,  the  third 
day  he  rose  again  from  the  dead,  he  ascended  into 
heaven,  and  sitteth  on  the  right  hand  of  God  the 
Father  almighty ;  from  thence  he  shall  come  to 
judge  the  quick  and  the  dead.  I  believe  in  the 
Holy  Ghost,  the  holy  catholic  church,  the  com- 
munion of  saints,  the  forgiveness  of  sins,  the 
resurrection  of  the  body,  and  the  life  everlasting. 
Amen. 

*  i.  e.  Continued  in  the  state  of  the  dead,  and  under  the  fioiver 
of  death,  until  the  third  day. 


END  OF  THE  CATECHISM. 


THE 


FORM 


OF  THE 


GOVERNMENT  AND  DISCIPLINE 


PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH 


IN  THE 


UNITED  STATES  OF  AMERfCA. 


PHILADELPHIA . 
rftiMTO  for  and  nrBLiraa  m  \*.  w 

HO.    52,    MN  |    STRICT. 


Grigfs  C  Dickimous,  Printers. 

1815. 


INTRODUCTION. 


nr*HE  Synod  of  New-York  and  Philadelphia,  judging  it  ex- 
•*-  pedum  to  ascertain  and  Jix  the  system  of  union,  and  the 
form  of  Government  and  Discipline  of  the  Presbyterian  Church 
in  these  United  States,  under  their  care  ;  have  thought  proper 
to  lay  down,  by  way  of  introduction,  a  few  of  the  general  prin- 
ciples by  which  they  have  been  hitherto  governed,  and  which 
are  the  "ground  work  of  the  following  plan.  This,  it  is  hoped, 
will,  in  some  measure,  prevent  those  rash  misconstructions,  and 
ui  cmdid  reflections,  which  usually  proceed  from  an  in 
view  of  any  subject ;  as  well  as  make  the  several  parts  efr  the 
system  plain,  and  the  whole  plan  perspicuous  and  fully  under- 
stood. 

The  Synod  are  unanimously  of  opinion ; 

I.  That  "  God  alone  is  Lord  of  the  conscience  ;  and  hath  left 
"  it  free  from  the  doctrine  and  commandments  of  men,  which 
"  are  in  any  thing  contrary  to  his  word,  or  beside  it  in  matters 
44  of  faith  or  worship  :"  Therefore,  they  consider  the  rigbt>  rf 
private  judgment,  in  all  matters  that  respect  religion,  as  i 
versal,  and  unalienable  :  They  do  not  even  wish  to  see  any  re- 
ligious constitution  aided  by  the  civil  power,  further  than  may 
be  necessary  for  protection  and  security,  and,  at  the  same  time, 
equal  and  common  to  all  others. 

II.  That,  in  perfect  consistency  with  the  above  principle  of 
common  right,  every  Christian  church,  or  union  or  association 
of  particular  churches,  is  entitled  to  declare  the  terms  of  ad- 
mission into  its  communion  and  the  qualification,  of  its  ministers 
and  members,  as  well  as  the  whole  system  of  its  internal  go- 
vernment which  Christ  hath  appointed  :  That,  in  the  exercise 
of  this  right,  they  may,  notwithstanding,  err,  in  making  the 
terms  of  communion  either  too  lax  or  too  narrow  :  yet,  even  in 
this  rVinge  upon  the  liberty,  or  the  rights  of 
Others,  but  only  make -an  improper  use  of  their  own. 

Ill    That  our  b  I  i«.  ur,  for  the  edification  of  the  visible 

church,  which  is  his  body,  hath  appointed  officers,  not  on]) 
preach  the  gospel  and  administer  the  sacraments  ;  but  also  to 
exercise  discipline,  for  the  preservation  both  (  f  truth  and  d 
and,  that  it  is  incumbent  upon  these  officers,  and  upon  the  whole 
Church,  in  whose  name  they  act,  to  censure,  or  cast  out,  the 
erroneous  and  scandalous;  observing,  in  all  cases,  the  rules  con- 
tained in  the  word  of  God. 

Ff  2 


342  Introduction. 

IV.  That  truth  is  in  order  to  goodness  ;  and  the  great  touch- 
stone of  truth,  its  tendency  to  promote  holiness ;  according  to 
our  Saviour's  rule,  "  by  their  fruits  ye  shall  know  them."  And 
that  no  opinion  can  be  either  more  pernicious  or  more  absurd, 
than  that  which  brings  truth  and  falsehood  upon  a  level,  and 
represents  it  as  of  no  consequence  what  a  man's  opinions  are. 
On  the  contrary,  they  are  persuaded,  that  there  is  an  insepara- 
ble connection  between  faith  and  practice,  truth  and  duty. 
Otherwise,  it  would  be  of  no  consequence  either  to  discover 
truth,  or  to  embrace  it. 

V.  That  while  under  the  conviction  of  the  above  principle, 
they  think  it  necessary  to  make  effectual  provision,  that  all  who 
are  admitted  as  Teachers,  be  sound  in  the  faith  ;  they  also  be- 
lieve, that  there  are  truths  and  forms,  with  respect  to  which 
men  of  good  characters  and  principles  may  differ  :  And  in  all 
these,  they  think  it  the  duty,  both  of  private  Christians  and 
societies,  to  exercise  mutual  forbearance  towards  each  other. 

VI.  That  though  the  character,  qualifications,  and  authority 
of  church-officers,  are  laid  down  in  the  holy  scriptures,  as  well 
as  the  proper  method  of  their  investiture  and  institution ;  yet 
the  election  of  the  persons  to  the  exercise  of  this  authority,  in 
any  particular  society,  is  in  that  society. 

VII.  That  all  church  power,  whether  exercised  by  the  body 
in  general,  or,  in  the  way  of  representation,  by  delegated  autho- 
rity, is  only  ministerial  and  declarative  ;  That  is  to  say,  that 
the  holy  scriptures  are  the  only  rule  of  faith  and  manners  ;  that 
no  church  judicatory  ought  to  pretend  to  make  laws,  to  bind  the 
conscience,  in  virtue  of  their  own  authority ;  and  that  all  their 
decisions  should  be  founded  upon  the  revealed  will  of  God. 
Now  though  it  will  easily  be  admitted,  that  all  synods  and  coun- 
cils may  err,  through  the  frailty  inseparable  from  humanity ; 
yet  there  is  much  greater  danger,  from  the  usurped  claim  of 
making  laws,  than  from  the  right  of  judging  upwi  laws  already 
made,  and  common  to  all  who  profess  the  gospel ;  although  this 
right,  as  necessity  requires  in  the  present  state,  be  lodged  with 
fallible  men. 

VIII.  Lastly,  That,  if  the  preceding  scriptural  and  rational 
principles  be  stedfastly  adhered  to,  the  vigour  and  strictness  of 
its  discipline  will  contribute  to  the  glory  and  happiness  of  any 
church.  Since  ecclesiastical  discipline  must  be  purely  moral 
or  spiritual  in  its  object,  and  not  attended  with  any  civil  effects, 
it  can  derive  no  force  whatever,  but  from  its  own  justice,  the 
approbation  of  an  impartial  public,  and  the  countenance  and 
blessing  of  the  great  Head  of  the  church  universal. 


THE 

FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT. 

CHAPTER  I. 

OF  THE  CHURCH. 

Sect.  L    T  ESUS  CHRIST,  who  is  now  exalted, 
$J     far  above  all  principality ,  and  power% 
hath  erected,  in  this  world,  a  kingdom,  which  is 
his  church  b. 

Sect.  II.  The  universal  church  consists  of  all 
those  persons,  in  every  nation,  together  with  their 
children,  who  make  profession  of  the  holy  reli- 
gion of  Christ,  and  of  submission  to  his  la\vsc. 

I.   *  Eph.   i.   20,  21      When   given  him  dominion  and  glory, 
lie   raised  him  from  the  dead,    and  a  kingdom,    that   all  peo- 
and   set   him  at  his  own  right   pie,     nations,     and     langu  . 
hand   in   heavenly   places,    far   should   serve    him  ;    his   t 
above  all  principality,  and  pow-    nion  is  an  everlasting  dominion 
it,  and  might,   and   dominion,    which    shall    not    pass    a 
and  every  name  that  is  named,   and   his    kingdom    that   wl 
not  only  in  this  world   but  also  shall  not  be  I.   Eph    ]. 

in  that  which  is  to  come.     Ps.    22,23.  And  put  all  thin 
Ixviii.  18.    Thou  hast  ascended   his  feet,   and  gave   him  to  be 
on  high,  thou  hast,  led  captivity    head   over    all    things    to   the 
captive,  thou  hast  received  gifts   church,  which  is   his  body,  the 
for  men  :  yea,  for  the  rebellious   fuln^s  of  him  "that  ftlleth  all 

,   that  the  Lord  Gi*l  might   in  all. 
dwell  among  them.  II.  c  Rev.  v.  9  — And  hast  re- 

6   Ps    n    6.     Yet  have  I  set   deemed  u  v  thy  blcori 

my  my  holy  hill  of  out     of     every    kindred,     and 

Ziun.    Dun.  vii.  14.  TmOt  was   tongue,  and  people,  and  bat 


344 


Form  of  Government. 


Sect.  III.  As  this  immense  multitude  cannot 
meet  together,  in  one  place,  to  hold  communion, 
or  to  worship  God,  it  is  reasonable,  and  warranted 
by  scripture  example^  that  they  should  be  divided 
into  many  particular  churches d. 

Sect.  IV.  A  particular  church  consists  of  a 
number  of  professing  Christians,  with  their  off- 
spring, voluntarily  associated  together,  for  divine 
worship  and  godly  living,  agreeably  to  the  holy 
scriptures  e ;  and  submitting  to  a  certain  form  of 
government f. 


Acts  ii.  39.  For  the  promise 
is  unto  you  and  to  your  chil- 
dren, and  to  all  that  are  afar 
off,  even  as  many  as  the  Lord 
our  God  shall  call.  1  Cor.  i.  2. 
compared  witb  2  Cor.  ix.  13. 

III.  d  Gal.  i.  21,  22.  After- 
wards I  came  into  the  regions 
of  Syria  and  Ciiicia ;  and  was 
unknown  by  face  unto  the 
churches  of  Judea,  which  were 
in  Christ.  Rev  i.  4.  20.  John 
to  the  seven  churches  which 
are  in  Asia ;  Grace  be  unto  you, 
and  peace  from  him  which  is, 
and  which  was,  and  which  is  to 
come,andfrom  the  seven  spirits 
which  are  before  his  throne. — 
The  mystery  of  the  seven  stars 
which  thou  sawest  in  my  right 
hand,  and  the  seven  golden 
candlesticks.  The  seven  stars 
are  the  angels  of  the  seven 
churches;  and  the  seven  can- 
dlesticks which  thou  sawest  are 
the  seven  churches.  See  also 
Rev.  ii.  1. 

IV.  e  Acts  ii.  41.  47.— Then 
they   that  godly   received  his 


word  were  baptized ;  and  the 
same  day  there  were  added 
unto  them  about  three  thousand 
souls. — Praising  God  and  hav- 
ing favour  with  all  the  people. 
And  the  Lord  added  to  the 
church  daily  such  as  should  be 
saved.  1  Cor.  vii.  14.  For  the 
unbelieving  husband  is  sanctified 
by  the  wife,  and  the  unbeliev- 
ing wife  is  sanctified  by  the 
husband  ;  else  were  your  chil- 
dren unclean,  but  now  are  they 
holy.  Acts  ii.  39.  Mark  x. 
14.  compared  with  Matt.  xix. 
13,  14.  and  Luke  xviii.  15,  16. 
f  Heb.  viii  5.  Who  serve 
unto  the  example  and  shadow 
of  heavenly  things,  as  Moses 
was  admonished  of  God  when 
he  was  about  to  make  the  ta- 
bernacle: for  See  (saith  he) 
that  thou  make  all  things  ac- 
cording to  the  pattern  shewed 
to  thee  in  the  mount.  Gal.  vi. 
16.  And  as  many  as  walk  ac- 
cording to  this  rule,  peace  be 
on  them,  and  mercy,  and  upon 
the  Israel  of  God. 


Form  of  Government. 


345 


CHAPTER  II. 


OF  THE  OFFICERS  OF  THE  CHURCH. 


OU  R  blessed  Lord,  at  first,  collected  his 
church,  out  of  different  nations8,  and  form- 
Extraordina-  ed  it  into  one  body  b,  by  the  mission 
ry  officers.  0f  men  endued  with  miraculous  gifts, 
which  have,  long  since,  ceased  c. 

The  ordinary  and  perpetual  officers,  in  the 
Perpetual  church,  are,  Bishops  or  Pastors*  ;  the  re- 
Officers,  presentatives  of  the  people,  usually  stiled 
Ruling  Elders  e,  and  Deacons  f. 


I.  •  Ps.  ii.  8.  Ask  of  me, 
and  I  shall  give  thee  the  Hea- 
then for  thine  inheritance,  and 
the  uttermost  parts  of  the  earth 
for  thy  possession.  Rev.  vii.  9. 
After  this  I  beheld,  and  lo  a 
great  multitude,  which  no  man 
could  number,  of  all  nations, 
and  kindreds,  and  people,  and 
tongues  stood  before  the  throne, 
and  before  the  Lamb,  clothed 
with  white  robes,  and  palms  in 
their  hands. 

b  1  Cor.  x.  17.  For  we 
being  many  are  one  bread,  and 
one  body ;  for  we  are  all  par- 
takers of  that  one  bread.  See 
also,  Eph.  iv.  16.     Col.  i.  98. 

c    Matt.    x.    1.    7,    8.      And 
when   he  had  called  unto  him 
his  twelve  disciples,  he 
them    power   against    unclean 


spirits,-  to  cast  them  out,  and 
to  heal  all  manner  of  sickness, 
and  all  manner  of  disease. 

d  1  Tim.  iii.  1,  2  —If  a  man 
desire  the  office  of  a  bishop,  he 
desireth  a  good  work.  Eph.  iv. 
11.  And  he  gave  some,  apos- 
tles :  and  some,  prophets :  and 
some,  evangelists ;  and  some, 
pastors  and  teachers ;  ver.  12. 
For  the  perfecting  of  the  saints, 
for  the  work  of  the  ministry, 
for  the  edifying  of  the  body  of 
Christ. 

e  1  Tim.  v  17.  Let  the 
5  that  rule  well,  be  count- 
orthy  of  double  honour. 

}  Phil.  i.  1.  To  all  the  saints 
in  Christ  Jesus,  which  are  at 
PhiUppi,  with  the  bishops  and 
deacoi 


346  Form  of  Government. 


CHAPTER  III. 

OF  BISHOPS  OR  PASTORS. 

THE  pastoral  office  is  the  first,  in  the  church, 
both  for  dignity  and  usefulness  \  The  per- 
Names,  &c  son  who  Jills  this  office,  hath,  in  scrip- 
ture,  obtained  different  names  expressive  of  his 
various  duties.  As  he  has  the  oversight  of  the 
flock  of  Christ,  he  is  termed  bishop b*.  As  he 
feeds  them  with  spiritual  food,  he  is  termed  pas- 
tor c.  As  he  serves  Christ  in  his  church,  he  is 
termed  minister*1.  As  it  is  his  duty  to  be  grave 
and  prudent,  and  an  example  of  the  flock,  and  to 
govern  well  in  the  house  and  kingdom  of  Christ, 
he  is  termed  presbyter  or  elder  e.  As  he  is  the 
messenger  of  God,  he  is  termed  the  angel  of  the 
church f.     As  he  is  sent  to  declare  the  will  of 

I.  a  Rom.  xi.  13.  the  mysteries  of  God.    2  Cor. 

b  Acts  xx.  29.'  Take  heed  iii,  6.  Who  also  hath  made 
therefore  unto  yourselves,  and  us  able  ministers  of  the  New 
to  all  the  flock  over  the  which  Testament, 
the  Holy  Ghost  hath  made  you  e  1  Pet.  v.  1.  The  elders 
overseers,  (bishops)  to  feed  the  which  are  among  you,  I  ex- 
church  of  God,  which  he  hath  hort,  who  am  also  an  elder,  and 
purchased  with  his  own  blood,     a  witness  of  the  sufferings  of 

c  Jer.  iii.  15.  And  I  will  give   Christ,  and  also  a  partaker  of 
you  pastors  according  to  mine   the  glory  that  shall  be  revealed- 
heart,    which    shall   feed   you  See  also  Tit.  i.  5.     1  Tim.  v. 
with    knowledge    and    under-    1.  17.  19. 
standing.     1  Pet.  v  2,  3,  4.  f  Mai.  ii.  7.  Rev.  il  1.     Unto 

d  1  Cor.  iv.  1.  Let  a  man  so  the  angel  of  the  church  of 
account  of  us,  as  of  the  minis-  Ephesus,  write.  Rev.  i.  20. 
ters  of  Christ,  and  stewards  of  The  seven  stars  are  the  angels 

*  As  the  office  and  character  of  the  gospel  minister  is  parti- 
cularly and  fully  described,  in  the  holy  scriptures,  under  the  title, 
of  bishop  ;  and  as  this  term  is  peculiarly  expressive  of  his  duty 
as  an  overseer  of  the  flock,  it  ought  not  to  be  rejected. 


Form  of  Government.  347 

God  to  sinners,  and  to  beseech  them  to  be  recon- 
ciled to  God  through  Christ,  he  is  termed  ambas- 
sador g.  And,  a*  he  dispenses  the  manifold  grace 
of  God,  and  the  ordinances  instituted  by  Christ, 
he  is  termed  steward  of  the  mysteries  of  God  h. 

cf  the  seven  churches.  See  is  that  faithful  and  wise  stew- 
also,  Rev.  ill.  1.  7.  ard,  whom  his  Lord  shall  make 

t  2  Cor.   v.  20.     Now  then  ruler    over   his    household,    to 

we  are  ambassadors  for  Christ,  give  them  their  portion  of  meat 

as  though  God  did  beseech  you  in  due  season  ?  1  Cor.  iv.  1>  2. 

by  us:  we  pray  you,  in  Christ's  Moreover     it    is    required    in 

stead,  be  ye  reconciled  to  God.  stewards,  that  a  man  be  found 

Eph.  vi.  20.  faithful. 

h  Luke  xii.   42.    Who  then 


CHAPTER  IV. 

OF  RULING  ELDERS. 

RULING  elders  are  properly  the  represen- 
tatives of  the  people,  chosen  by  them,  for 
Name,  &c.  the  purpose  of  exercising  government 
and  discipline,  in  conjunction  with  pastors  or 
ministers  ai  This  office  has  been  understood,  by 
a  great  part  of  the  protestant  reformed  churches, 
to  be  designated,  in  the  holy  scriptures,  by  the 
title  of  governments  :  and  of  those  who  rule  well ; 
but  do  not  labour  in  the  word  and  doctrine  b. 

1*1  Tim.  v    17.     Let  the   hath  set   some  in  the  church, 

elders  that  rule  well  be  counted  first  aposl  idarily  pro- 

worthy  of  doubli 

chilly  they  who   Labour   in    the   that  miracles,    then    gU 
word  and  doctrine.    Rom.    xii.   healings,    helps,    governments, 
7,  fc.—  2    of  tongues  See  let.  a 

b   1  Cnr.    xii.  li8.     And  Gud 


343  Form  of  Government. 

CHAPTER  V. 
OF   DEACONS. 

tHE  scriptures  clearly  point  out  deacons  as 
distinct  officers  in  the  church  a,  whose  bu- 
Name,  &c.  siness  it  is  to  take  care  of  the  poor,  and  to 
distribute  among  them  the  collections  which  may 
be  raised  for  their  use  b.  To  them  also  may  be 
properly  committedthe  management  of  the  tem- 
poral affairs  of  the  church  c. 

I.  a  Phil.  i.  1.— 1  Tim.  iii.  8.  fore     brethren,    look    ye    out 

to  verse  15.  among  you  seven  men  of  honest 

b  Acts  vi.  1,  2.  And  in  report,  full  of  the  Holy  Ghost, 
those  days  when  the  number  of  and  wisdom,  whom  we  may 
the  disciples  was  multiplied,  appoint  over  this  business. — 
there  arose  a  murmuring  of  And  the  saying  pleased  the 
the  Grecians  against  the  He-  whole  multitude :  and  they 
brews,  because  their  widows  chose  Stephen,  a  man  full  of 
were  neglected  in  the  daily  faith,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost, 
ministration. — Then  the  twelve  and  Philip,  and  Prochorus,  and 
called  the  multitude  of  the  Nicanor,  and  Timon,  and  Par- 
disciples  unto  them,  and  said,  menas,  and  Nicolas  a  prose- 
It  is  not  reason  that  we  should  lyte  of  Antioch. — Whom  they 
leave  the  word  of  God,  and  set  before  the  apostles :  and 
serve  tables.  when   they  had   prayed,    they 

*  Acts  vi.  3.  5,   6.     Where-  laid  their  hands  on  them. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

OF  ORDINANCES  IN  A  PARTICULAR  CHURCH. 

FJPIHE  ordinances,   established  by  Christ  the 
f|       head,  in  a  particular  church,  which  is  regu- 
larly constituted  with    its  proper  officers  %    are, 

I.    a  1  Cor    xiv.  26.   33.  40.    ingr. — For  God  is  not  the  author 
Let  all  things  be  done  to  edify-  of  confusion,   but  of  peace,  as 


Form  of  Government. 


3<9 


Ordinances  of  prayer  b,  singing  praises c,  reading  d, 
the  church,  expounding  and  preaching  the  word 
of  God e  ;  administering  baptism  and  the  Lord's 
supper  f ;  public  solemn  fasting  and  thanksgiv- 
ing6, catechising11,  making  collections  for  the 
poor,  and  other  pious  purposes  ■ ;  exercising  dis- 


in  all  churches  of  the  saints. — 
Let  all  things  be  don£decent;y 
and  in  order. 

b  Acts  vi.  4.  But  we  will 
give  ourselves  continually  to 
prayer,  and  to  the  ministry  of 
the  word.     1  Tim.  ii.  I. 

c  Col.  iii.  16.  Teaching  and 
admonishing  one  another,  in 
psalms,  and  hymns,  and  spiri- 
tual songs,  singing  with  grace 
in  your  hearts  to  the  Lord  — 
Ps.  ix.  11.— Eph.  v.  19.— Also 
Col.  iv.  16. 

d  Acts  xv.  21.  Luke  iv.  16, 
and  17. 

e  Tit.  i.  9.  Holding  fast  the 
faithful  word  as  he  hath  been 
taught,  that  he  may  be  able  by 
sound  doctrine,  both  to  exhort 
and  to  convince  the  gain-savers 
Acts  x  42.  lit  commanded  us 
to  preach  unto  the  people.  See 
also,  Acts  xxviii.  23.  Luke 
xxiv.  47.  2  Tim.  iv.  2.  Acts 
ix.  20. 

f  Matt,  xxviii.  19.  Go  ye 
therefore  and  teach  all  nations, 
baptizing  them  in  the  name  of 
the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and 
of  the  Holy  Gh<  at.  See  ver.  20. 
and  Mark  xvi.  15,  16. —  1  ) 
xi.  23,  24,  25.  For  I  have 
received  of  the  Lord,  that 
which  also  I  delivered  unto 
,  that  the  Lord  Jesus,  the 
same  night  in  which  he  was 
betrayed,  took  bread. — And 
when  he  had  given  thanks,  he 
brake  it,  and  said,  Take,  eat ; 


this  is  my  body,  which  is  brok- 
en for  you :  this  do  in  remem- 
brance of  me. — After  the  same 
manner  also  he  took  the  cup, 
when  he  had  supped,  saying, 
This  cup  is  the  New  Testa- 
ment in  my  blood,  this  do  ye, 
as  oft  as  ye  drink  it,  i 
b ranee  of  me.  Verse  ^6.  For  as 
often  as  ye  eat  Ibis  bread,  and 
drink  this  cup,  yt  do  shew  the 
Lord's  death  till  he  come. 
Compared  with  1  Cor.  x.  16. 

g  Luke  v.  35.  But  the  days 
will  come  when  the  bridegroom 
shall  be  taken  away  from  them, 
and  then  shall  they  fafi 
those  days.  Ps.  L  14.  Offer 
unto  God  thanksgiving:  ami  pay 
thy  vows  unto  the  Most  High. 
Phil.  iv.  6. — In  every  thing, 
by  prayer  and  supplication,  with 
thanksgiving,  let  your  requests 
be  made  known  unto  God.  See 
1  Tim.  ii.  1.     Ps.  xxv.  2. 

h  Heb.  5.  12.  For  when  for 
the  time  ye  ought  to  be  teach- 
ers, ye  have  need  that  one 
teach  you  again,  which  be  the 
first  principles  of  the  oracles  of 
God,  and  are  become  such  as 
have  need  of  milk,  and  not  of 
strong  meat 

1  1  Cor.  xvi  1,  2,  3,  4.  Now 
concerning    the  n    for 

the  saints,  given  or- 

der  to  the  chun  itia, 

so  do  ye. — Up  n  the  first 
j  one 
a  lay  by  him  in  store  as 


350  Form  of  Government. 

cipline  k  ;  and  blessing  the  people1. 

-God  hath  prospered  him,  that  not  with  grief;  for  that  is  un- 

there  be  no  gatherings  when  I  profitable  for  you.     1  Thess.  v. 

come.       And    when    I    come,  12,    13.     And  we  beseech  you, 

whomsoever  ye  shall  approve  brethren,  to  know  them  which 

by  your  letters,  them  will  1  send  labour   among    you,    and    are 

to  bring  your  liberality  unto  Je-  over  you  in  the  Lord,  and  ad- 

rusalem.     And    if  it  be    meet  monish    you ;    and    to    esteem 

that  I  go  also,  they  shall  go  them  very  highly  in  love  for 

with    me.     Gal.   ii.    10.    Only  their  work's  sake;   and  be  at 

they  would  that  we  should  re-  peace  among  yourselves, 
member  the  poor ;    the    same       l  2  Cor.  xiii.  14.     The  grace 

which  I  also  was  forward  to  do.  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and 

k  Heb.  xiii.   17.    Obey  them  the  love  of  God,  and  the  com- 

that  have  the  rule  over  you,  munion  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  be 

and  submit  yourselves  :  for  they  with  you  all.     Amen.     Eph.  i. 

watch  for  your  souls,   as  they  2.    Grace  be  to  you,  and  peace 

that  must  give  account ;    that  from  God  our  Father,  and  from 

they  may  do  it  with  joy,  and  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 


CHAPTER  TIL 

OF  CHURCH  GOVERNMENT,  AND  THE  SEVERAL 
KINDS  OF  JUDICATORIES. 

Sect.  LTT  is  absolutely  necessary  that  the 
\  government  of  the  church,  be  ex- 
Different  ercised  under  some  certain  and  definite 
Judicatories,  form a :  And  we  hold  it  to  be  expedi- 
ent, and  agreeable  to  scripture  and  the  practice 

I.  a  Ez.  xliii.  11,  12.  Shew  forms  thereof,  and  all  the  laws 
them  the  form  of  the  house,  thereof:  and  write  it  in  their 
and  the  fashion  thereof,  and.  sight,  that  they  may  keep  the 
the  goings-out  thereof,  and  the  whole  form  thereof,  and  all  the 
comings-in  thereof ;  and  all  ordinances  thereof,  and  do 
the  forms  thereof,  and  all  the  thein.— This  is  the  law  of  the 
ordinances  thereof,  and  all  the  house 


Form  of  Government.  351 

of  the  primitive  Christians,  that  the  church  be 
governed  by  congregational,  presbvterial  and  sy- 
nodical  assemblies.  In  full  consistency  with  this 
belief,  we  embrace  in  the  spirit  of  charity,  those 
Christians  who  differ  from  us,  in  opinion  or  in 
practice,  on  these  subjects  b. 

Sect.  II.  These  assemblies  ought  not  to  possess 
Their  any  civil  jurisdiction,  nor  to  inflict  any  civil 
power,  penalties0 :  Their  power  is  wholly  moral  or 
spiritual,  and  that  only  ministerial  and  declarative"1. 
They  possess  the  right  of  requiring  obedience  to 
the  laws  of  Christ ;  and  of  excluding  the  disobe- 
dient and  disorderly,  from  the  privileges  of  the 
church.  To  give  efficiency,  however,  to  this 
necessary  and  scriptural  authority,  they  possess  the 
powers  requisite  for  obtaining  evidence  and  in- 
flicting censure :  They  can  call  before  diem  any 
offender  against  the  order  and  government  of  the 
church  ;  They  can  require  members,  of  their  own 
society,  to  appear  and  give  testimony  in  the  cause ; 
but  the  highest  punishment  to  which  their  autho- 
rity extends,  is  to  exclude  the  contumacious  and 
impenitent,  from  the  congregation  of  believers  e. 

b  Acts  xv.  5,  6.  Eat  there  a  judge  or  a  divider  over  you  ? 
rose  up  certain  of  the  sect  of  John  xviii.  36.  My  kingdom  is 
the  Pharisees  which  believed,  not  of  this  world, 
saying,  That  it  was  needful  to  a  See  and  consult  Acts  xv. 
circumcise  them,  and  to  com-  from  the  1st  to  the  33d  verse, 
mand  them  to  keep  the  law  of  e  Matt  xviii  15,  16.  17,  18, 
.—And  the  apostles  and  19,  20  Moreover,  if  thy  bro- 
elders  came  together  for  tu  con-  ther  shall  trespass  against  thee, 
sider  of  this  ma  go,  and  tell  him  his  fault  be- 
ll. c  Luke  xii  13,  14.  And  tweet)  thee  and  him  alone ;  if 
one  of  the  company  said  unto  he  shall  hear  thee,  thou  hast 
him,  Master,  speak  to  my  bro-  gained  thy  brother.  But  if  he 
ther,  that  he  divide  the  inheri-  will  not  hear  thee,  then  take 
tance  with  me.  And  he  said  with  thee  one  or  two  more,  that 
unto  him,  Man,  who  made  me  in  the  mouth  of  two  or  threr 


352  Form  of  Government. 

witnesses,  every  word  may  be  loosed  in  heaven.     1  Cor.  v.  4, 

established.     And   if  he    shall  5.     In   the  name  of  our  Lord 

neglect  to  hear  them,    tell  it  Jesus  Christ,  when  ye  are  ga- 

unto  the  church  :  but  if  he  neg-  thered  together,  and'  my  spirit, 

lect  to  hear  the  church,  let  him  with  the  power  of  our  Lord 

be  untothee  as  an  heathen  man,  Jesus  Christ,   To  deliver  such 

and  a  publican.     Verily  I  say  an  one  unto  Satan,  for  the  de- 

unto  you,  whatsoever  ye  shall  struction  of  the  flesh,   that  the 

bind  en  earth,  shall  be  bound  in  spirit  may  be  saved  in  the  day 

heaven  :    and    whatsoever    ye  of  the  Lord  Jesus, 
shall  loose  on  earth,  shall  be 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

OF  THE  CONGREGATIONAL  ASSEMBLY,  OR  JUDICATORY, 
USUALLY  STYLED,  THE  CHURCH  SESSION. 

Sect.  I.  r  ■  iHE  church  session  consists  of  the 
Constituent  I  minister,  or  ministers,  and  elders 
Members  of  of  a  particular  congregation a :  of  whom 
SessionUrCh  three  E1ders,  if  there  be  that  number 
in  the  Congregation,  with  the  Minister, 
shall  be  a  quorum  to  do  business. 

Sect.  II.  The  church  session  is  competent  to 
the  spiritual  government  of  the  congre- 
gation b :  For  which  purpose,  they  have 
power  to  inquire  into  the  knowledge  and  christian 
conduct  of  the  members  of  that  church c ;  to  call 
before  them  the  offenders  and  witnesses,  being 
members  of  their  own  society,  and  to  introduce 

I.  a  1  Cor.  v.  4.  In  the  you,  and  submit  yourselves,  for 
name  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  they  watch  for  your  souls,  as 
when  ye  are  gathered  together,  they  that  must  give  account, 
and  my  spirit,  with  the  power  that  they  may  do  it  with  joy, 
of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  and  not  with  grief.    1  Thess.  v« 

II.  b   Heb.    xiii.    17.    Obey   12,  13.  and  1  Tim.  v.  17.— 
them  that  have  the  rule  over       c  E?.  xxxiv.  4. 


Form  of  Government.  S53 

witnesses  from  other  societies  or  denominations, 
where  it  may  be  necessary,  to  bring  the  process 
to  issue ;  and,  when  they  can  be  procured  to  at- 
tend, to  admonish,  to  rebuke,  to  suspend,  or  ex- 
clude from  the  sacraments,  those  who  are  found 
to  deserve  the  censures  of  the  church  d  ;  to  concert 
the  best  measures  for  promoting  the  spiritual  in- 
terests of  the  congregation,  and  to  appoint  dele- 
gates to  the  higher  judicatories  of  the  church e. 
Sect.  III.  The  minister  hath  a  right  to/con- 

vene  the  session  when  he  may  judge  it 
convened,    requisite  f.     And  he  ought,  in  all  cases, 

to  convene   them,   when   requested   by 
any  two  or  more  of  the  elders. 

Sect.    IV.    We   think    it    proper,    that  every 

church  session  keep  a  fair  register,  of 
bekept"8  l°  births,  of  baptisms,    of  marriages,   of 

persons  admitted  to  the  Lord's  table,  of 
deaths  in  the  society,  and  of  other  removals. 

d  1  Thess.   v.   12,   13.     And  fore  Paul  and  Barnabas  had  no 

we  beseech   you,    brethren,  to  small  dissention  and  disputation 

know  them  which  labour  among  with    them,    they    determined 

you,   and  are  over  you  in  the  that   Paul    and   Barnabas,  and 

Lord,  and  admonish  you. — And  certain  other  of  then?,  should 

to  esteem    them    very    highly  go  up  to  Jerusalem   unto   the 

in  love,  for  their  work's  sake,  apostles   and  elders  about  this 

and  be  at  peace  among  your-  question     6.  And  the  a] 

selves.    See  also  2  Thess.  iii.  6.  and  eiders  came  together  for  to 

*4,  15.  I  Cor.  xi.  27.  to  the  end.  consider  of  this  matter. 

•  Acts  xv.  %    When  there-  111.  ■  Acts  xx.  17. 


Gg2 


354  Form  of  Government. 

CHAPTER  IX. 

OF  THE  PRESBYTERIAL  ASSEMBLY. 

Sect.  I.  V  ■  iHE  church  being  divided  into  many 
:  J|  separate  congregations,  these  need 
Necessity  of  the  mutual  counsel  and  assistance,  in 
Presbytery.  order  to  preserve  soundness  of  doc- 
trine, and  regularity  of  discipline ;  and  to  enter 
into  common  measures^  for  the  promoting  of 
knowledge  and  religion,  and  for  the  preventing  of 
the  encroachments  of  infidelity  and  error a.  Hence 
arise  the  importance  and  usefulness  of  presbyte- 
rial  and  sy nodical  assemblies6. 

Sect.  II.  A  presbytery  consists  of  all  the  mi- 
nisters, and  one  ruling  elder  from 

be°rTthereofMem"  eac^  congregation,  within  a   cer- 
tain district. 
Sect.  III.  Every  congregation^  which  has  a 
settled  pastor,   has  a  right  to  be  represented  in 
presbytery,   by  one  elder;    and  every  collegiate 

I.   a  The  church  of  Jerusa-  Acts  xx  17.  25.  28.  30    36,  37. 

km  consisted  of  more  than  one,  Rev.  ii.  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6\  joined 

as  is  manifest  both  before  and  with  Acts  xx.  17,  18. 

after  the  dispersion,  from  Acts  b  1  Tim.  iv.  14.   Neglect  not 

vi.    1.   6.     Acts   ix.    31.     Acts  the  gift  that  is  in  thee,  whioh 

xxi.  20.  Acts  vi.  2.  These  con-  was   given  thee  by  prophecy,, 

gregationswere  under  one  pres-  with  the  laying  on  of  the  hands 

byterial     government,    proved  of  the  presbytery.     Acts  xv  2. 

from  Acts  xv.  24.  28.    Acts  xi.  — Verse    iv.     And  when  they 

22.30. — Acts  xxi   17,  18. — Acts  were  come  to  Jerusalem,  they 

vi.  chap.     That  the  church  of  were  received  of  the  church, 

Ephesus  had  more  congrega-  and  of  the  apostles  and  tlriers, 

tions  that  one  under  a  presby-  and  they   declared   all   things 

terial  government,appears  from  that  God  had  done  with  them. 

Acts  xx.  31  Chap.  xix.  18,  19,  Ver.  6.    And  the  Apostles  and 

20.  1  Cor.  xvi.  8,  9.  19.  compar-  elders  came    together  for    tc^ 

?d  With  Acts  xviii.  19.  24.  26.—  consider  of  this  matter, 


Form  of  Government.  355 

church,  by  two  or  more  elders,  in  proportion  to 
its  ministers.  Where  there  are  two  or  more  con- 
gregations united,  under  one  pastor,  all  such  con- 
gregations shall  have  but  one  elder  to  represent 
them.  Every  congregation,  which  has  no  settled 
minister,  and  is  able  and  willing  to  support  one, 
shall  be  entitled  to  be  represented,  by  a  ruling 
elder,  in  this  judicatory.  And  where  there  are 
two  or  more  such  congregations,  united  for  the 
maintenance  of  the  gospel,  and,  in  their  united 
state  are  of  the  description  aforesaid,  then  such 
united  congregations  may  be  represented  by  one 
elder.  Every*  elder,  not  known  to  the  presbytery, 
shall  produce  a  certificate  of  his  regular  appoint- 
ment,  from  the  church  which  he  represents c. 
Sect.  IV.  Any  three  ministers,   and  as  many 

elders  as  may  be  present  belonging 
Pr™i£ the  l?  the  Pre*bytery,  being  met,  at  the 

time  and  place  appointed,  shall  be  a 
judicatory,  competent  to  the  dispatch  of  business  ; 
notwithstanding  the  absence  of  the  other  mem- 
bers d. 

Sect.  V.  The  presbytery  hath  cognizance  of 
Powers  of  the  all  things  that  regard  the  welfare  of 
Presbytery,  &c.  the  particular  churches  within  their 

III.  c  Acts  xv.  i,  2,  3,  4,  5,  when  they  were  come  and  had 
6.  1  Cor.  xiv.  26.  33  40  Let  gathered  the  church  together, 
all  things  be  done  to  edifying,  they  rehearsed  all  that  God  had 
— For  God  is  not  the  author  done  with  them,  and  how  he 
of  confusion,  but  of  peace,  as  had  opened  the  door  of  faith 
in  all  the  churches  of  the  saints,  unto  the  Gentile*  :  compared 
— Let  all  things  be  done  decent-  with  Acts  si.  18.  And  when 
lv,  and  in  order.  they  heard  these  things,    they 

IV.  d  Acts  xiv.  And  thence  held  their  peace,  and  gloritiei 
sailed  to  An tioch,  from  whence  God,  saying,  Then  hath  God 
they  had  been  recommended  by  also  to  the  Gentiles  granted  re- 
Ihe  grace  of  God,  for  the  work  pentar.ee  unto  life. 

which    they   fulfilled. And 


356  Form  of  Government. 

bounds,  which  are  not  cognizable  by  the  session c. 
They  have  also  a  power  of  receiving  and  issuing 
appeals  from  the  sessions,  and  references,  brought 
before  them  in  an  orderly  manner  ' ;  of  examining 
and  licensing  candidates  for  the  gospel  ministry  * ; 
of  ordaining,  settling,  removing,  or  judging  mi- 
nisters h ;  of  examining,  and  approving  or  censur- 
ing the  records  of  the  sessions ;  of  resolving 
questions  of  doctrine  or  discipline,  seriously  and 
reasonably  proposed  * ;  of  condemning  erroneous 
opinions,  that  injure  the  purity  or  peace  of  the 
church  k  ;  for  visiting  particular  churches,  to  en- 

V. c  Acts  xv.  5.  But  there  rose  with  the  laying  on  of  the  hands 
up  certain  of  the  sect  of  the  of  the  presbytery.  Acts  xiii.  2, 
Pharisees  which  believed,  say-  3.  As  they  ministered  to  the 
ing,  That  it  was  needful  to  cir-  Lord,  and  fasted,  the  Holy 
cumcise  them,  and  to  command  Ghost  said,  Separate  me  Bar- 
them  to  keep  the  law  of  Moses,  nabas  and  Saul  for  the  work 
Ver.  6  And  the  apostles  and  hereunto  I  have  called  them, 
elders  came  together  for  to  con-  — And  when  they  had  fasted 
sider  of  this  matter.  Ver.  19  and  prayed,  and  layed  their 
Wherefore  my  sentence  is,  that  hands  on  them,  they  sent  them 
we   trouble    not    them    which   away. 

from  among  the  Gentiles  are  h  Acts  xv.  28.  For  it  seemed 
returned  to  God  ;  Ver.  20.  But  good  to  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  to 
that  we  write  unto  them,  that  us,  to  lay  upon  you  no  greater 
they  abstain  from  pollutions  of  burden  than  these  necessary 
idols,  and  from  fornication,  and  things.  1  Cor.  v.  3. 
from  things  strangled,  and  from  '  Acts  xv.  10.  Now  there- 
blood,  fore    why    tempt    ye   God,   to 

f  Acts  xviii.  24  27.  And  a  put  a  yoke  upon  the  neck  of 
certain  Jew  named  Apollrs,  the  disciples,  which  neither 
born  at  Alexandria,  an  eloquent  our  fathers*nor  we  were  able  to 
man,  and  mighty  in  the  scrip-  bear?  Compared  with  Gal.  ii. 
tures,  came  to  Ephesus. — And   4,  5. 

when  he  was  disposed  to  pass  k  Acts  xv.  22,  23,  24.  Then 
into  Achaia,  the  brethren  pleased  it  the  apostles  and  el- 
wrote,  exhorting  the  disciples  ders,  with  the  whole  church, 
to  receive  him.  Compared  with  to  send  chosen  men  of  their 
Acts  xix  1,  2,  3,  4t  5,  6,  7.  own  company  to  Antioch,  with 

8  1  Tim.  iv.  14.  Negject  not  Paul  and  Barnabas :  namely, 
the  gift  that  is  in  thee,  which  Judas  sirnamed  Barsabas,  and 
was  given  thee  by  prophecy ;   Silas,    chief    men  among  the 


Form  of  Government.  357 

quire  into  their  state,  and  redress  the  evils  that 
may  have  arisen  within  them  ' ;  of  uniting,  or 
dividing  congregations,  at  the  request  of  the 
people ;  and  of  ordering  whatever  pertains  to  the 
spiritual  concerns  of  the  churches  under  thtir 
care  ra.  And  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  presbyter 
ries  to  report  to  the  synod,  licensures,  ordinations, 
the  dismissing  or  receiving  of  members,  and  the 
removal  of  members  by  death. 

Sect.  VI.  The  presbytery  shall  meet  on  their 

own  adjournment :  and,  when  any 
convened6  emergency    S^H    require    a    meeting, 

sooner  than  the  time  to  which  the  ju- 
dicatory stands  adjourned,  the  moderator  shall, 
with  the  concurrence,  or  at  the  request  of  two 
ministers  and  two  elders*  the  elders  being  of  dif- 
ferent congregations,  call  a  meeting  of  the  presby> 
tery,  by  a  circular  letter  sent  to  every  minister, 
and  to  the  session  of  every  vacant  congregation 
having   a  right  to  send  a  representative  to  the 

brethren,  and  they  wrote  letters  It  is  not  reason  that  we  should 
by  them  after  this  manner:  The  leave  the  word  of  God,  and 
apostles,  and  elders  ^and  ore-  serve  tables. — Acts  xv.  30.  So 
thren,  send  greeting  unto  the  when  they  were  dismissed,  they 
brethren  which  are  of  the  Gen-  came  to  Antioch  :  and  when 
tiles  in  Antioch,  and  Syria,  and  they  had  gathered  the  multi- 
Cilicia. — Forasmuch  as  we  have  tude  together,  they  delivered 
heard,  that  certain  which  went  the  epistle, 
out  from  us,  have  troubled  you  m  Eph  vi.  18.  Praying  al- 
with  words  subverting  your  ways  with  all  prayer  and  sup- 
souls,  saying,  Ye  must  be  cir-  plication  in  the  spirit,  and 
cumcised,  and  keep  the  law  ;  watching  thereunto  with  all 
to  whom  we  gave  no  such  com-  perseverance,  and  supplication 
mandment  11  saints— Phil  iv  6.  Be 
1  Acts  ax.  17.  And  from  care tul  for  nothing;  but  in  every 
Miletus  he  sent  to  Ephesus,  and  thing  by  prayer  and  supplica- 
called  the  elders  of  the  church,  tion  with  thanksgiving,  let  your 
—Acts  \i.  2  Then  the  twelve  requests  be  made  known  un^o 
called  the  multitude  of  the  God. 
disciples  unto  them,  aoU  said, 


358  Form  of  Government. 

judicatory,  in  due  time  previous  to  the  meeting  ; 
which  time  shall  be  ascertained  and  recorded  by- 
each  presbytery,  and  shall  not  be  less  than  ten 
days  :  and  nothing  shall  be  transacted,  at  such 
special  meeting,  besides  the  particular  business 
for  which  the  judicatory  has  been  thus  convened. 
Sect.  VII.  At  each  meeting  of  presbytery,  a 
sermon  shall  be  delivered,  if  conve- 

P^sbytlry^ the  n*ent ;  anc*  evelT  particular  session 
shall  be  opened  and  concluded  with 
prayer;  The  roll  shall  be  called,  and  the  meet- 
ing  recorded  by  the  clerk,  who  shall  enter  the 
names  of  the  members  present,  and  also  of  those 
ministers  who  are  absent. 


CHAPTER  X. 

OF  THE  SYNODICAL  ASSEMBLY  * 

Sect.  I.  A  S  a  presbytery  is  the  convention 
J\^  of  the  bishops  and  elders,  with- 
Members  of  m  a  certain  district ;  so  a  synod  is  a 
Synod.  convention  of  the  bishops,  and  elders, 

within  a  larger  district,  including  several  presby- 
teries. 

Sect.  II.  Any  seven  ministers  of  the  synod, 
who  shall  convene  at  the  time  and  place  of  meet-# 
ing,  with  as  many  elders  as  may  be  present,  shall 

*  As  the  proofs  already  adduced  in  favour  of  a  presbyterial 
assembly  in  the  government  of  the  church,  are  equally  valid  in 
support  ot  a  synodical  assembly  (since  a  synod  is  only  a  larger 
presbytery)  it  is  unnecessary  to  repeat  the  scriptures  to  which 
reference  has  been  made  under  Chap.  IX,  or  to  add  any  other. 


Form  of  Government.  359 

be  a  quorum  to  transact  sy nodical  business  ;  pro- 
vided not  more  than  four  of  the  said  ministers 
belong  to  one  presbytery. 

Sect.  III.  The  synod  have  power  to  admit  and 
judge  of  appeals,  regularly  brought  up 
th°ereof  ^rom  ^e  Prest>yteries :  to  give  their  judg- 
ment on  all  references,  and  ecclesiastical 
cases,  made  to  them ;  to  review  the  presbytery 
books ;  to  redress  whatever  hath  been  done  by 
presbyteries  contrary  to  order  ;  to  take  effectual 
care  that  presbyteries  observe  the  constitutions  of 
the  church ;  to  make  such  regulations  for  the  be- 
nefit of  their  whole  body,  and  of  the  presbyteries 
and  churches  under  their  care,  as  shall  be  agreea- 
ble to  the  word  of  God,  and  not  contradictory  to 
the  decisions  of  the  General  Assembly,  and  to  pro- 
pose, to  the  General  Assembly,  for  their  adoption, 
such  measures  as  may  be  of  common  advantage 
to  the  whole  church. 


CHAPTER  XI. 

OF  THE  GENERAL  ASSEMBLY  *. 

Sect.  I.  t  M^  HE  General  Assembly  is  the  highest 
\      judicatory    of     the     presbytcrian 

*  The  radical  principles  of  presbyterian  church  government 
and  discipline  are; — That  the  several  different  congregations  of 
believers,  taken  collectively,  constitute  one  church  o£  C 
called  emphatically  the  church; — that  a  larger  part  of  the  church% 
or  a  representation  of  it,  should  govern  a  smaller,  or  determine 
matters  of  controversy  which  arise  therein  ; — that,  in  like  man- 
ner, a  representation  of  the  whole  should  govern  and  determine 
la  regard  to  every  part  and  to  all  the  parts  united,  that  is,  that 


360  Form  of  Government. 

church ;  and  shall  represent,  in  one  body,  all  the 
o.  i     c.u   u-  ,_    particular  churches  of  this  deno- 

Style  of  the  high-   l    .  ,     ,    ,,  ,  i  i 

est  Judicatory  of  mination  ;  and  shall  bear  the  style 
the  Presbyterian  and  title  of  The  General  Assembly 
of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the 
United  States  of  America. 

Sect.  1L  The  General  Assembly  shall  consist  of 
Constituent  Mem-  an  equal  delegation  of  bishops  and 
bers  of  the  Gene-  elders  from  each  presbytery,  in  the 
rai  Assembly.  f0ilowing  proportion:  viz.  each 
presbytery,  consisting  of  not  more  than  six  mi- 
nisters  shall  send  one  minister  and  one  elder ; 
each  presbytery,  consisting  of  more  than  six  mi- 
nisters and  not  more  than  twelve,  shall  send  two 
ministers  and  two  elders ;  and  in  like  proportion, 
for  every  six  ministers,  in  any  presbytery  :  And 
these  delegates,  so  appointed,  shall  bear  the  title 
of  Commissioners  to  the  General  Assembly. 

Sect.  III.    Any  fourteen,    or  more,  of   these 

commissioners,    one  half   of  whom  shall 

9^?  be  ministers,  beinsr  met,  on  the  dav,  and 
thereoi.  '         .  o  ^ »  -  ' 

at  the  place  appointed,  shall  be  competent 
to  form  a  General  Assembly,  and  to  proceed  to 
business. 

Sect.  IV.  The  assembly  shall  receive  and  issue 

all  appeals  and  references,  which  may 

trembly the  ^e  regukrty  brought  before  them  from 

the    inferior    judicatories ;    they    shall 

a  majority  shall  govern  :  And,  consequently,  that  appeals  maybe 
carried  from  lower  to  higher  judicatories,  till  they  be  finally  de- 
cided by  the  collected  wisdom  and  united  voice  of  the  whole 
church.  For  these  principles  and  this  procedure,  the  example 
of  the  apostles  and  the  practice  of  the  primitive  church  is  con- 
sidered as  authority.— See  Acts  xv.  1,  2.  4.  6.  and  from  the  2d 
to  the  29th  verses ;  also  Acts  xvi.  14.  and  the  proofs  adduced 
under  the  three  last  chapters. 


Form  of  Government.  361 

review  the  minutes  and  proceedings  of  every 
synod,  to  approve  or  censure  them ;  they  shall 
give  their  advice  and  instructions,  in  all  other  cases 
submitted  to  them ;  and  they  shall  also  constitute 
the  bond  of  union,  peace,  correspondence,  and 
mutual  confidence,  among  all  our  churches. 
Sect.  V.  To  the  Assembly  also  belongs  the 
power  of  consulting,  reasoning,  and 

theh!Lrembir)S.°f  Juc*g\n&  in  controversies  respecting 
doctrine  and  discipline  ;  of  reprov- 
ing, warning,  or  bearing  testimony  against  error 
in  doctrine,  or  immorality  in  practice,  in  any 
church,  presbytery,  or  synod ;  of  correspond- 
ing with  foreign  churches ;  of  putting  a  stop  to 
schismatical  contentions,  and  disputations ;  and, 
in  general,  of  recommending  and  attempting  re- 
formation  of  manners  ;  and  of  promoting  charity, 
truth  and  holiness,  through  all  the  churches ; 
and  of  erecting  new  synods,  when  they  judge  it 
necessary. 

Sect.  VI.  Before  any  overtures  or  regulations, 
Restriction  of  proposed  by  the  Assembly  to  be  est*. 
:he  power  of  blished  as  constitutional  rules,  shall  be 
the  Assembly.  obijgatory  on  the  churches,  it  shall 
be  necessary  to  transmit  them  to  all  the  presbyte- 
ries, and  to  receive  the  returns  of,  at  least,  a  majo- 
rity of  the  presbyteries,  in  writing,  approving- 
thereof. 


n* 


362  Form  of  Government. 

CHAPTER  XII. 

OF  ELECTING  AND  ORDAINING  RULING 
ELDERS  AND  DEACONS. 

Sect.  I.    fTAVING  defined  the  officers  of 

J  §_  the  church,  and  the  assemblies 

by  which  it  shall  be  governed,  it  is  proper  here  to 

prescribe  the  modes  in  which  ecclesiastical  rulers 

shall  be  ordained  to  their  respective  offices. 

Sect.  II.  Every  congregation  shall  elect  persons 
Mode  of  elect-  to  t^e  office  of  ruling  elder,  and  to 
ing  ruling  El-  the  office  of  deacon,  or  either  of  them, 
ders,  &c  jn  t^e  mode  most  approved,  and  in 

use  in  that  congregation  a.  But  in  all  cases,  the 
persons  elected,  must  be  male  communicating 
members  in  that  church,  in  which  they  are  to  ex- 
ercise their  office. 

Sect.  III.  When  any  person  shall  have  been 

elected  to  either  of  these  offices,  and 

How  to  be  or-  g^jj  jiave  declared  his  willingness  to 

dained.  .  _   ,        .    „  ,  ° 

accept  thereof,  he  shall  be  set  apart  m 
the  following  manner. 

Sect.  IV.  After  sermon,  the  minister  shall 
Engagements  propose  to  him,  in  the  presence  of 
required  of  El-  tjie  congregation,  the  following  ques- 

ders  andDea-     .  fe.    ^  *  ^    l 

cons.  tions  :  viz. 

1.  Do  you  believe  the  scriptures  of  the  Old  and 
New  Testament,  to  be  the  word  of  God,  the  only 
infallible  rule  of  faith  and  practice  ? 

*  1  Cor.  xiv.  40..    Let  all  things  be  done   decently  and  in 
order. 


Form  of  Government.  363 

2.  Do  you  sincerely  receive  and  adopt,  the  con- 
fession  of  faith  of  this  church,  as  containing  the 
system  of  doctrine  taught  in  the  holy  scriptures  ? 

3.  Do  you  approve  of  the  government  and  dis- 
cipline of  the  presbyterian  church,  as  exercised 
in  these  United  States  ? 

4.  Do  you  accept  the  office  of  ruling  elder 
[or  deacon  as  the  case  may  be]  in  this  congrega- 
tion, and  promise  faithfully  to  perform  all  the 
duties  thereof? 

After  having  answered  these  questions  in  the 
To  be  set  affirmative,  he  shall  be  set  apart,  by  pray- 
apart  by  er,  to  the  office  of  elder  [or  deacon  as 
Prayer.     t^e  b  case  may  be  .j  and  the  minister  sha1! 

give  him,  and  the  congregation,  an  exhortation 
suited  to  the  occasion. 

b  Acts  vi.  5,  6. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

OF  LICENSING  CANDIDATES,  OR  PROBATIONERS, 
TO  PREACH  THE  GOSPEL. 

Sect.  I.  T  |  ^HE  holy  scriptures  require  that 

^       some  trial  be  previously  had  of 

Presbyteries        those  who  are  to  be  ordained  to  the 

ought  to  License  ministry  of  the  gospel,  that  this  sa- 

Pix/oationers.         cred  officc  mgy  nQt  be  dcgraded>  by 

being  committed  to  weak  or  unworthy  men a ; 

•  1  Tim.  iii.  6.     Not  a  novice.     2  Tim.  ii.  2.     And  the  I 
that  thou  hast  heard  of  me  among  many  witnesses,  the 
commit  thou  to  faithful  men  who  shall  be  able  tu  teach  others 


364  Form  of  Government. 

and  that  the  churches  may  have  an  opportunity 
to  form  a  better  judgment  respecting  the  talents 
of  those  by  whom  they  are  to  be  instructed  and* 
governed.  For  this  purpose  presbyteries  shall 
licence  probationers,  to  preach  the  gospel;  that 
after  a  competent  trial  of  their  talents,  and  receiv- 
ing from  the  churches  a  good  report,  they  may,  in 
due  time,  ordain  them  to  the  pastoral  office  b. 
Sect.  II.  It  is  proper  and  requisite,  that  candi- 
dates, applying  to  the  presbvtery  to 

?SSff  be  licensed  to  Preach  the 'gospel, 
Candidates  ap-  produce  satisfactory  testimonials  of 
plying  to  be  Li-  their  ffood  moral  character,  and  of 

censed.  ^ 

their  being  regular  members  of  some 
particular  church.  And  it  is  the  duty  of  the 
presbytery,  for  their  satisfaction  with  regard  to 
the  real  piety  of  such  candidates,  to  examine 
them  respecting  their  experimental  acquaintance 
with  religion,  and  the  motives  which  influence 
them  to  desire  the  sacred  office c.  And  it  is  re- 
commended, that  the  candidate  be  also  required 
to  produce  a  diploma,  of  bachelor  or  master  of 
arts,  from  some  college  or  university  :  or  at  least 
authentic  testimonials  of  his  having  gone  through 
a  regular  course  of  learning. 

Sect.  III.  Because  it  is  highly  reproachful  to 

religion,  and  dangerous  to  the  church, 
Frails  in-order  to  intrust  the  holy  ministry  to  weak 

and   ignorant  men d,  the  presbytery 
shall  try  each  candidate,  as  to  his  knowledge  of 

fc  1  Tim.  iii.  7.    3  John  12. 

c  Rom.  ii.  21.     Thou,  therefore,  who  teachest  another,  teach 
est  thou  not  thyself?  &c.  in  connection  with  letter  a. 
d  See  letters  a  and  b. 


Form  of  Government.  60  J 

the  Latin  language  ;  and  of  the  original  languages 
In  which  the  holy  scriptures  were  written.  They 
shall  examine  him,  on  the  arts  and  sciences;  on 
theology,  natural  and  revealed  ;  and  on  ecclesias- 
tical history.  And  in  order  to  make  trial  of  his 
talents  to  explain  and  vindicate,  and  practically  to 
enforce  the  doctrines  of  the  gospel,  the  presbytery 
shall  require  of  him,  an  exegesis  on  some  com- 
mon  head  of  divinity  ;  a  presbyterial  exercise  ;  a 
lecture  or  explication  of  a  portion  of  scripture  ; 
and  a  popular  sermon,  or  other  similar  exercises, 
to  be  held,  at  several  successive  sessions,  till  they 
shall  have  obtained  satisfaction,  as  to  his  piety, 
literature  and  aptness  to  teach  in  the  churches  c. 
Sect.  IV.  That  the  most  effectual  measures 
may  be  taken,  to  guard  against  the 
The    Study    of  admission  of  insufficient  men  into 

Divinity       must     .  i      m       f   •     •  •. 

continue  at  least  the  sacred  othce  ,  it  is  recommend- 
two  Years  be-  eci  that  no  candidate,  except  in  ex- 
fore  License.  ,.  i     V  i 

traordinary  cases,  be  licensed  ;  un- 
less, after  his  having  completed  the  usual  course 
of  academical  studies,  he  shall  have  studied  divi- 
nity at  least  two  years,  under  some  approved  di- 
vine, or  professor  of  theology. 

Sect.  V.  Before  the  presbytery 
re^reT^of  proceed  to  license  the  candidate,  the 
Probationers,  moderator  shall  require  of  him  the 
before  License,  following  engagements:  viz. 

1.  Do  you  believe  the  scriptures  of  the  Old 
and  New  Testament,  to  be  the  word  of  God,  the 
only  infallible  rule  of  faith  and  practice  ? 

■  1  Tim.  iii.  2.— Apt  to  teach.     See  also  the  foregoing  quo- 
tations. 

4  See  letter  \ 

II  h  2 


366  Form  of  Government. 

2.  Do  you  sincerely  receive  and  adopt  the  con- 
fession of  faith  of  this  church,  as  containing  the 
system  of  doctrine  taught  in  the  holy  scriptures? 

3.  Do  you  promise  to  study  the  peace,  unity, 
and  purity  of  the  church  ? 

4.  Do  you  promise  to  submit  yourself,  in  the 
Lord,  to  the  government  of  this  presbytery,  or 
of  any  other  presbytery  in  the  bounds  of  which 
you  may  be  ? 

Sect.    VI.     The   candidate   having   answered 

these    questions    in    the    affirmative, 

^nc£eJ°fll~  and  the  moderator  having  offered  up 

censing.  »ii  i  •  i 

a  prayer  suitable  to  the  occasion,  he 
shall  address  himself  to  the  candidate,  to  the  fol- 
lowing purpose  :  u  In  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  and  by  that  authority  which  he  hath  given 
to  his  church  for  its  edification,  we  do  license  you 
to  preach  the  gospel,  wherever  God  in  his  provi- 
dence may  call  you  :  and  for  this  purpose,  may 
the  blessing  of  God  rest  upon  you,  and  the  Spirit 
of  Christ  fill  your  heart.  Amen"  And  record 
shall  be  made  of  the  licensure,  in  the  following 
form  :  viz. 

At  the  day  of  the 

presbytery  of  having  received 

Form  of  sufficient;  testimonials,  in  favour  of 

i  license 

of  his  having  gone  through  a  regular 
course  of  literature  ;  of  his  good  moral  charac- 
ter ;  and  of  his  being  in  the  communion  of  the 
church  ;  proceeded  to  take  the  usual  parts  of  trial 
for  his  licensure :  And  he  having  given  satisfac- 
tion, as  to  his  accomplishments  in  literature  ;  as 
to  his  experimental  acquaintance  with  religion  ; 
and  as  to  his  proficiency  in  divinity,  and  other 


Form  of  Government*  56? 

studies  ;  the  presbytery  did,  and  hereby  do  ex- 
press their  approbation  of  all  these  parts  of  trial : 
And  he  having  adopted  the  confession  of  faith 
of  this  church  ;  and  satisfactorily  answered  the 
questions,  appointed  to  be  put  to  candidates  to 
be  licensed  ;  the  presbytery  did,  and  hereby  do 
license  him,  the  said  to  preach  the  gos- 

pel of  Christ,  as  a  probationer  for  the  holy  mi- 
nistry, within  the  bounds  of  this  presbytery,  or 
wherever  he  shall  be  orderly  called. 

Sect.  VII.   When  any  candidate  shall,  by  the 

permission  of  his  presbytery,  remove 

Testimonials  of  without  its  limits,  an  extract  of  this 

a  Probationer.  '  . 

record,  accompanied  with  a  presby- 
terial  recommendation,  signed  by  the  clerk,  shall 
be  his  testimonials,  to  the  presbytery  under  whose 
:are  he  shall  come. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

OF  THZ  ELECTION  AND  ORDINATION  OF 
BISHOPS  OR  PASTORS3. 

;t.  I.  "in^THEN  ^V  probationer  or  pro- 
\  \      bationers,  shall  have  preached 

a  The  contents  of  the  first  eight  sections  of  this  chapu  r  and 

era!  other  parts  of  the  form  of  government,  especially  the 

whole  of  the  fifteenth  chapter,  do  not,  it  is  apprehi 

to  be  explicitly  and  dii  p  irted  by  tl  ture, 

to  those  circumstar.  rrangement 

\  house,  which,  th  »ugh  u  d  in  a 

formula  of  church  government,  are  and  must  he  left,  in  a  great 

human  prudence,  assisted  by  some  general  direction: 


368  Form  of  Government. 

A  church  dispo-  so  ™uch  to  the  satisfaction  of  any 
sed  to  prepare  a  congregation  as  that  the  people  ap- 
OrLatio^shaii  Pear.  prepared  to  elect  a  pastor,  the 
ask  the  assistance  session  shall  solicit  the  presence  and 
of  a  minister.  counsel  of  some  neighbouring  mi- 
nister, to  assist  them  in  conducting  the  election 
contemplated,  unless  highly  inconvenient  on  ac- 
count of  distance  :  In  which  case  they  may  pro- 
ceed without  such  assistance. 

Sect.  II.  On  a  Lord's  day,  immediately  after 
The  Da  -  for  Put>^c  worship,  it  shall  be  intimated 
preparing  the  from  the  pulpit,  that  all  the  members 
Call  shall  be  Qf  fa^  congregation  are  requested  to 

previously  ap-  o     o  i  ^ 

pointed  on  a  meet,  on  ensuing, 

Lord's  Day.  at  the  church,  or  usual  place  for 
holding  public  worship  ;  then  and  theft,  if  it  be 
agreeable  to  them,  to  proceed  to  the  election  of  a 
pastor,  for  that  Congregation. 

Sect.  III.  On  the  day  appointed,  the  minister, 

whose  assistance  has  been  obtained, 

The  minister       shall  preach  a  sermon,  at  the  usual 

shall  receive  the  *    r  i_t   i  i  •  ^     o 

Votes  of  none  season  for  pubhck  worship  ;  and  at- 
om regular  ter  sermon,  he  shall  announce  to  the 
wh (^punctually  People,  that  he  will  immediately  pro- 
pay  towards  the  ceed  to  take  the  votes  of  the  elec- 
ChSS  °f  the  tors  of  that  congregation,  for  a  pas- 
tor if  such  be  their  desire ;  and 
when  this  desire  shall  be  expressed,  by  a  ma- 
jority of  voices,  he  shall  then  proceed  to  take  the 
votes  for  a  pastor.  In  this  election  no  person  shall 
be  entitled  to  vote,  who  refuses  to  submit  to  the 
censures  of  the  church,  regularly  administered  ;  or 
who  does  not  contribute  his  just  proportion,  ac- 
cording to  his  own  engagements,  or  the  rules  of 
that  church,  to  all  its  necessary  expences. 


Form  of  Government.  369 

Sect.  IV.    When   the  votes  are  taken,   if  it 

When  the  people     aPPear    that  a  great   proportion   of 

are  not  unanimous  the  people  are  averse  from  the  can- 
cm^vtrnuSr  didate,  who  has  a  majority  of  votes, 
and  circumstances  and  cannot  be  induced  to  concur 
of  the  dissentients.  £n  thc  call,  the  assisting  minister 
shall  endeavour  to  dissuade  the  congregation  from 
prosecuting  it  further.  But  if  the  people  be 
nearly,  or  entirely,  unanimous  ;  or  if  the  majority 
shall  insist  upon  their  right  to  call  a  minister ; 
then  in  that  case,  the  minister,  after  using  his 
utmost  endeavours  to  persuade  the  congregation 
to  unanimity,  shall  proceed  to  draw  a  call  in  due 
form,  and  to  have  it  subscribed  by  the  electors ; 
certifying,  at  the  same  time,  the  number  and 
circumstances  of  those  who  do  not  concur  in  the 
call ;  All  which  proceedings  shall  be  laid  before 
the  presbytdry,  together  with  the  call. 

The  call  shall  be  in  the  following,  or  like  form, 
viz. 

The  Congregation  of 
*£ha  can™    keing,  on  sufficient  grounds,  well  satis- 
fied  of    the   ministerial     qualifications 
of  you  and  having  good  hopes 

from  our  past  experience  of  your  labours,  that 
your  ministrations  in  the  gospel  will  be  profitable 
to  our  spiritual  interests,  do  earnestly  call  and 
desire  you,  to  undertake  the  pastoral  office  in 
said  congregation  ;  promising  you,  in  the  dis- 
charge of  your  duty,  all  proper  support,  encou- 
ragement, and  obedience,  in  the  Lord :  And 
that  you  may  be  free  from  worldly  cares  and  avo- 
cations, wc  hereby  promise  and  oblige  ourselves 


370  Form  of  Government. 

to  pay  to  you,  the  sura  of  in  regular* 

payments,  during  the  time 
of  your  being,  and  continuing  the  regular  pastor 
of  this  church.     In  testimony  whereof,  we  have 
respectively  subscribed  our  names,  this 
day  of  A.  D. 

Attested  by  A.  B.  Moderator  of  the  meeting. 

Sect.  V.  But  if  any  congregation  shall  choose 

.to  subscribe  their  call,  by  their  elders 

certain  cage's,1  be  anc^  deacons,    or  trustees,  or  com- 

subscribed  by  El-  mittee,  or  either,  they  shall  be  at 

ders  or  Deacons,   j.^  SQ  ^  ^  .  but  &  ^  ^  such 

case,  be  fully  certified  to  the  presbytery,  by  the 
minister,  or  other  person  who  presided,  that  they 
have  been  appointed,  for  this  purpose,  by  a  pub- 
lic vote  of  the  congregation ;  and  that  the  calf 
has  been,  in  all  other  respects,  prepared  as  above 
directed. 

Sect.  VI.  When  a  call  shall  be  presented  to 
*  ^  „    ^  .        any  minister   or  candidate   it  shall 

A  Call  sufficient      1  i         •  j  m    • 

both  for  Ordina-  always  be  viewed  as  a  suthcient  peti- 
tion and  instal-  tion  from  the  people  for  his  instal- 
ment. The  acceptance  of  a  call, 
by  a  minister  or  candidate,  shall  always  be  con- 
sidered as  a  request,  on  his  part,  to  be  installed 
at  the  same  time.  And  when  a  candidate  shall  be 
ordained,  in  consequence  of  a  call  from  any 
congregation,  the  presbytery  shall  always,  at  the 
same  time,  ordain  and  install  him  pastor  of  that 
congregation. 

Sect.  VII.  The  call,  thus  prepared,  shall   be 

*  This  blank  to  be  filled  up  with  the  words,  quarterly,  half 
^yearly,  or  yearly,  as  may  best  suit  the  congregation: 


Form  of  Government.  371 

presented  to  the  presbytery,  under 
behe  preLS  whose  care  the  person  called  shall  be; 
to  the  Presby-  that,  if  the  presbytery  think  it  ex- 
tery'  pedient  to   present  the  call  to  him, 

it  may  be  accordingly  presented  :  And  no  mini- 
ster or  candidate  shall  receive  a  call  but  through 
the  hands  of  the  presbytery. 

Sect.  VilL  If  the  calf  be  to  the  licentiate  of 

another  presbytery,  in  that  case  the 

Sed  when  Pthe  commissioners,   deputed  from  the 

Call  is  to  the  Li-  congregation  to  prosecute  the  call, 

ther  Presbyte^.0"  sha"  Produce>  to  that  judicatory,  a 
certificate  from  their  own  presby- 
tery, regularly  attested  by  the  moderator  and 
clerk,  that  they  are  in  order.  If  that  presbytery 
present  the  call  to  their  licentiate,  and  he  be  dis- 
posed to  accept  it,  they  shall  then  dismiss  him 
from  their  jurisdiction,  and  require  him  to  re- 
pair  to  that  presbytery,  into  the  bounds  of  which 
he  is  called  ;  and  there  to  submit  himself  to  the 
usual  trials  preparatory  to  ordination. 

Sect.  IX.  Trials  for  ordination,  especially  in 
a  different  presbytery  from  that  in 
^naUon^01"  which  the  candidate  was  licensed, 
shall  consist  of  a  careful  examination 
as  to  his  acquaintance  with  experimental  religion; 
as  to  his  knowledge  of  philosophy,  theology, 
ecclesiastical  history,  the  Greek  and  Hebrew 
languages,  and  such  other  branches  of  learning 
as  to  the  presbytery  may  appear  requisite  ;  and 
as  to  his  knowledge  of  the  constitution,  the 
rules  and  principles  of  the  government  and  disci- 
pline of  the  church  ;  together  with  such  written 
discourse,  or  discourses,  founded  on  the  word  or 


372  Form  of  Government. 

God,  as  to  the  presbytery  shall  seem  proper  \ 
The  presbytery,  being  fully  satisfied  with  his 
qualifications  for  the  sacred  office,  shall  appoint 
a  day  for  his  ordination,  which  ought  to  be,  if 
convenient,  in  that  church  of  which  he  is  to  be 
the  minister.  It  is  also  recommended  that  a  fast 
day  be  observed  in  the  congregation  previous  to 
the  day  of  ordination c. 

Sect.    X.    The   day  appointed  for  ordination 

being  corne,  and  the  presbytery  con- 
Kffiut^  vene.d>  a  member  of  the  presbytery, 
a  Sermon  shall  previously  appointed  to  that  duty, 
be    preached,  shall  preach  a  sermon  adapted  to  the 

occasion.  The  same,  or  another 
member  appointed  to  preside  in  this  business, 
shall  afterwards  briefly  recite  from  the  pulpit,  in 
the  audience  of  the  people,  the  proceedings  of  the 
presbytery  preparatory  to  this  transaction :  He 
shall  point  out  the  nature  and  importance  of  the 
ordinance  ;  and  endeavour  to  impress  the  audience 
with  a  proper  sense  of  the  solemnity  of  the  trans- 
action. 

Engagements  Then  addressing  himself  to  the 

required  of  those    candidate,  he  shall  propose  to  him 

who  are  ordained.    the  foHowing  questions,  viz. 

1.  Do  you  believe  the  scriptures  of  the  Old 
and  New  Testament  to  be  the  word  of  God,  the 
only  infallible  rule  of  faith  and  practice  d  ? 

2.  Do  you  sincerely  receive,  and  adopt,  the 
confession  of  faith  of  this  church,  as  containing 

b  See  the  proofs  in  sections  1,  2,  3,  4,  of  chapter  xiii. 

c  Acts  xiii.  2,  3. 

d  2  Tim.  iii.  16.— Eph.  ii.  20, 


Form  of  Government.  373 

the  system  of  doctrine  taught  in  the  holy  scrip, 
tures c  ? 

3.  Do  you  approve  of  the  government  and 
discipline  of  the  presbyterian  church,  as  pre- 
scribed in  the  form  of  the  government  and  disci- 
pline of  the  presbyterian  church  in  these  United 
States  r  ? 

4.  Do  you  promise  subjection  to  your  bre- 
thren, in  the  Lord  g  ? 

5.  Have  you  been  induced,  as  far  as  you  know 
your  own  heart,  to  seek  the  office  of  the  holy  mi- 
nistry, from  love  to  God,  and  a  sincere  desire  to 
promote  his  glory  in  the  gospel  of  his  Son  h  ? 

6.  Do  you  promise  to  be  zealous  and  faithful 
in  maintaining  the  truths  of  the  gospel,  and  the 
purity  and  peace  of  the  church  ;   whatever  p     * 
cution,  or  opposition,  may  arise  unto  you  on  that 
account1  ? 

7.  Do  you  engage  to  be  faithful,  and  diligent, 
in  the  exercise  of  all  private  and  personal  duties, 
which  become  you  as  a  Christian  and  a  minister 
of  the  gospel;  as  well  as  in  all  relative  duties, 
and  the  public  duties  of  your  office,  endeavouring 
to  adorn  the  profession  of  the  gospel  by  your 
conversation;  and  walking,  with  exemplary  piety, 
before  the  flock  over  which  God  shall  make  you 
overseer  k  ? 

When  the  candidate  is  to  be  ordained  as  the 
pastor  of  a  particular  congregation,  the  following 
question  shall  be  added. 

•  2  Tim  i    13. 
f  See  letter  c. 
t  2  Pet  v.  5. 

h  1  Cor.  ii.  2. — 2  Cor.  iv.  5. 
1  Acts  xx.  17—31. 

*  See  the  epistle*  to  Timothy  and  Titus  throughout 

I  t 


374  Form  of  Government. 

8.  Are  you  now  willing  to  take  the  charge  of 
this  congregation,  agreeably  to  your  declaration 
at  accepting  their  call?  And  do  you  promise  to 
discharge  the  duties  of  a  pastor  to  them,  as  God 
shall  give  you  strength x  ? 

Sect.  XI.  The  candidate  having  answered 
Engagements  t'iese  questions  in  the  affirmative, 
required  of  the  the  moderator  shall  demand  of  the 

People.  peopk  . 

1.  Do  you,  the  people  of  this  congregation, 
continue   to   profess   your  readiness   to   receive 

,  whom  you  have  called,  to  be 
your  minister  ? 

2.  Do  you  promise  to  receive  the  word  of  truth 
from  his  mouth,  with  meekness  and  love ;  and  to 
submit  to  him,  with  humility,  in  the  due  exercise 
of  discipline  m  ? 

3.  Do  you  promise  to  encourage  him  in  his 
arduous  labour,  and  to  assist  his  endeavours  for 
your  instruction  and  spiritual  edification  n  ? 

4.  And  do  you  engage  to  continue  to  him, 
while  he  is  your  pastor,  that  competent  worldly 
maintenance  which  you  have  promised ,  and 
whatever  else  you  may  see  needful,  for  the  ho- 
nour  of  religion,  and  his  comfort  among  you  °  ? 

Sect.  XII.  The  people  having  answered  these 
questions,  in  the  affirmative,  by  hold- 

dfoaticm.  °r"  *n&  UP  ^ie^r  "S*11*  hands,  the  candidate 
shall  kneel  down,  in  the  most  conveni- 
ent part  of  the  church :  Then  the  presiding  bishop 
shall,  by  prayer p,  and  with  the  laying  on  of  the 

»  1  Pet.  v.  2. 

w  Janus  i.  21.     Heb.  xiiL  17. 

n  1  Thess.  v.  12,  13. 

•  1  Coi    ix.  7—15. 

9  Acts  xiiL  2,  3. 


Form  of  Government.  375 

hands  of  the  presbytery  q,  according  to  the  apos- 
tolic example,  solemnly  ordain  him  to  the  holy 
office  of  the  gospel  ministry  Prayer  being  end- 
ed, he  shall  rise  from  his  knees  :  and  the  minister 
who  presides  shall  first,  and  afterwards  all  the 
members  of  the  presbytery  in  their  order,  take 
him  by  the  right  hand,  saying,  in  words  ro 
purpose,  "  We  give  you  the  right  hand  of  fel- 
lowship, to  take  part  of  this  ministry  with  us  V 
After  which  the  minister  presiding,  or  some 
other  appointed  for  the  purpose,  shall  give  a  so- 
lemn charge  in  the  name  of  God,  to  the  newly 
ordained  bishop8,  and  to  the  people c,  topersr\  re 
in  the  discharge  of  their  mutual  duties  ;  and 
then,  by  prayer,  recommend  them  both  to  the 
grace  of  God,  and  his  holy  keeping;  and  finally, 
after  singing  a  psalm,  shall  dismiss  the  congrega- 
tion with  the  usual  blessing.  And  the  presby- 
tery shall  duly  record  the  transaction. 

*  1  Tim.  iv.  14. 

1  Gal.  ii.  9.    Acts  i.  25. 

•  2  Tim.  iv.  1,  2. 

c  Mark  v.  24.    Heb.  ii.  1.— See  also  letters  ra,  *,  ° 


CHAPTER  XV. 

OF  TRANSLATION,  OR  REMOVING  A  MINISTER 
FROM  ONE  CHARGE  TO  ANOTHER  ». 

Sect.  I.  l^TO    bishop    shall    be    translated 
J^|    from   one    church    to    another, 

*  See  note  \  at  the  beginning  of  the  last  chapter,  page  367. 


376  Form  of  Government. 

Translation    to  nor  s^a^  *ie  receive  any  call  for  that 
be  made  by  the  purpose,  but  by  the  permission  of 

Presbytery.  thc   presbytery. 

Sect.  II.  Any  church,  desiring  to  call  a  set- 
Mode  of  Pro-  ^ed  minister  from  his  present  charge, 
cedure  in  Trans-  shall,  by  commissioners  properly  au- 
ctions, thorised,  represent  to  the  presbytery 
the  ground  on  which  they  plead  his  removal. 
The  presbytery,  having  maturely  considered  their 
plea,  may,  according  as  it  appears  more  or  less 
reasonable,  either  recommend  to  them  to  desist 
from  prosecuting  the  call ;  or  may  order  it  to  be 
delivered  to  the  minister  to  whom  it  is  directed; 
if  the  parties  be  not  prepared  to  have  the  matter 
issued,  at  that  presbytery,  a  written  citation  shall 
be  given  to  the  Minister,  and  his  congregation,  to 
appear  before  the  presbytery  at  their  next  meeting* 
This  citation  shall  be  read  from  the  pulpit  in  that 
church,  by  a  member  of  the  presbytery  appointed 
for  that  purpose,  immediately  after  public  worship; 
so  that,  at  least,  two  sabbaths  shall  intervene,  be- 
twixt the  citation,  and  the  meeting  of  the  presby- 
tery at  which  the  cause  of  translation  is  to  be 
considered.  The  presbytery,  being  met,  and  hav- 
ing heard  thc  parties,  shall,  upon  the  whole  view 
of  the  case,  either  continue  him  in  his  former 
charge,  or  translate  him,  as  they  shall  deem  to  be 
most  for  the  peace  and  edification  of  the  church ; 
or  refer  the  whole  affair  to  the  synod,  at  their  next 
meeting,  for  their  advice  and  direction. 

Sect.  III.  When  the  congregation,  calling  any 
settled  minister,  is  within  the  limits  of  another 
presbytery,  that  congregation  shall  obtain  leave, 


Form  of  Government.  S~7 

Mode  of  Pro-  from   the    presbytery   to  which  they 

thedUMi^i^ter  belon«?>  to  aPPIy  to  the  presbytery  of 
is  of  another  which  he  is  a  member :  And  that 
Presbytery,  presbytery,  having  cited  him  and  his 
congregation  as  before  directed,  shall  proceed  to 
hear  and  issue  the  cause.  If  they  agree  to  the 
translation,  they  shall  release  him  from  his  present 
charge  ;  and  having  given  him  proper  testimoni- 
als, shall  require  him  to  repair  to  that  presbytery, 
within  the  bounds  of  which  the  congregation  call- 
ing him  lies,  that  the  proper  steps  may  be  taken 
for  his  regular  settlement  in  that  congregation  : 
And  the  presbytery  to  which  the  congregation 
belongs,  having  received  an  authenticated  certifi- 
cate of  his  release,  under  the  hand  of  the  clerk  of 
that  presbytery,  shall  proceed  to  install  him  in  the 
congregation,  as  soon  as  convenient.  Provided 
always,  that  no  bishop  or  pastor  shall  be  translat- 
ed, without  his  own  consent  previously  obtained, 
Sect.  IV.  When  any  minister  is  to  be  settled 
in   a    congregation,    the    instalment, 

Instalment  con-       ,  .    ,  °.   °   .  . 

stitutes  the  pas-  which  consists  in  constituting  a  pas- 
toral  Relation,  toral  relation  between  him  and  the 
people    of    that    particular    church, 
may  be  performed,  either  by  the  presbytery,  or  by 
a  committee  appointed  for  that  purpose,  as   may 
appear  most  expedient :  and  the  following  order 
all  be  observed  therein. 
Sect.  V.  A  day  shall  be  appointed  for  the  in- 

Noticc  of  the  stalment>  at  su°h  time  as  may  up- 
Day  mustbe  gi-  pear  most  convenient,  and  due  no- 
ven*  tice  thereof  given  to  the  congrega- 

tion. 

Sect.  VI.  When  the  presbytery,  or  committee, 

I  i  a 


378  Form  of  Government. 

A  sermon  shall  sha"  be  convened  and  constituted, 
be  delivered,  on  the  day  appointed,  a  sermon  shall 
&c'  be  delivered,  by  some  one  of  the 

members  previously  appointed  thereto ;  immedi- 
ately after  which,  the  bishop  who  is  to  preside, 
shall  state  to  the  congregation  the  design  of  their 
meeting,  and  briefly  recke  the  proceedings  of  the 
presbytery  relative  thereto.  And  then,  addressing 
himself  to  the  minister  to  be  installed,  shall  pro- 
pose to  him  the  following  or  similar  questions : 

1.  Are  you  now  willing  to  take  the  charge  of 
Instalment  con-  this  congregation,  as  their  pastor, 
sists   in  mutual  agreeably    to    your  declaration   at 

Engagements    ot     °  .    J     ,    .    J    lf  m 

Minister      and  accepting  their  call  ? 

People. 

2.  Do  you  conscientiously  believe  and  declare, 
as  far  as  you  know  your  own  heart,  that  in  tak- 
ing upon  you  this  charge,  you  are  influenced  by 
a  sincere  desire  to  promote  the  glory  of  God,  and 
the  good  of  his  church  ? 

3.  Do  you  solemnly  promise,  that,  by  the 
assistance  of  the  grace  of  God,  you  wTill  endea- 
vour faithfully  to  discharge  all  the  duties  of  a 
pastor  to  this  congregation  ;  and  will  be  careful 
to  maintain  a  deportment,  in  all  respects  becom- 
ing a  minister  of  the  gospel  of  Christ,  agreeably 
to  your  ordination  engagements?  To  all  these 
having  received  satisfactory  answers,  he  shall  pro- 
pose to  the  people  the  same  or  like  questions,  as 
those  directed  under  the  head  of  ordination ; 
which  having  been  also  satisfactorily  answered, 
fey  holding  up  the  right  hand,  in  testimony  of 
assent,  he  shall  solemnly  pronounce  and  declare 
the  said  minister  to  be  regularly  constituted  the 


Form  of  Government.  379 

pastor  of  that  congregation.  A  charge  shall 
then  be  given  to  both  parties,  as  directed  in  the 
affair  of  ordination ;  and,  after  prayer,  and  sing, 
ing  a  psalm  adapted  to  the  transaction,  the  con- 
gregation shall  be  dismissed  with  the  usual  be- 
nediction. 

Sect.  VII.  It  is  highly  becoming,  that,  after 
Elders  and  Heads  the  solemnity  of  the  instalment, 
of  Families  shall  the  heads  of  families  of  that  con- 

give    their    right  .  •  .. 

Hand  to  their  Mi-  gregation  who  are  then  present,  or 
nister.  at  least  the  elders,  and  those  appoint- 

to  take  care  of  the  temporal  concerns  of  that 
church,  should  come  forward  to  their  pastor,  and 
give  him  their  right  hand,  in  token  of  cordial  re- 
ception and  affectionate  regard. 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

OF  RESIGNING  A  PASTORAL  CHARGE. 

Sect.  I.  1  17HEN  any  minister  shall  la- 
y  f  bour  under  such  grievances 
The  Congreea-  *n  h*s  congregation,  as  that  he  shall 
tion  must  be  cit-  desire  leave  to  resign  his  pastoral 
ed  and  heard,  cfca^  the  presbytery  shall  cite  the 
congregation  to  appear,  by  their  commissioners, 
at  their  next  meeting,  to  shew  cause,  if  any  they 
have,  why  the  presbytery  should  not  accept  the 
resignation.  If  the  congregation  fail  to  appear,  or 
if  their  reasons  for  retaining  their  pastor  be  deem- 
ed  by  the  presbytery  insufficient,  he  shall  have 
leave   granted  to  resign  his  pastoral  charge;  of 


380  Form  of  Government. 

which  due  record  shall  be  made,  and  that  church 
shall  be  held  to  be  vacant,  till  supplied  again,  in 
an  orderly  manner,  with  another  minister :  And  if 
any  congregation  shall  desire  to  be  released  from 
their  pastor,  a  similar  process,  mutatis  mutandis, 
shall  be  observed. 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

OF  MISSIONS. 

WHEN  vacancies  become  so  numerous 
in  any  presbytery,  that  they  cannot  be 
supplied  with  the  frequent  administration  of  the 
word  and  ordinances,  it  shall  be  proper  for  such 
presbytery,  or  any  vacant  congregation  within 
their  bounds,  with  the  leave  of  the  presbytery,  to 
apply  to  any  other  presbytery,  or  to  any  synod,  or 
to  the  General  Assembly,  for  such  assistance  as 
they  can  afford.  And,  when  any  presbytery  shall 
send  any  of  their  ministers  or  probationers  to  dis- 
tant vacancies,  the  missionary  shall  be  read  to 
produce  his  credentials  to  the  presbytery  or  pres- 
byteries, through  the  bounds  of  which  he  may- 
pass,  or  at  least  to  a  committee  thereof,  and  obtain 
their  approbation.  And  the  General  Assembly 
may,  of  their  own  knowledge,  send  missions  to 
any  part  to  plant  churches,  or  to  supply  vacan- 
cies :  And,  for  this  purpose,  may  direct  any  pres- 
bytery to  ordain  evangelists,  or  ministers  without 
relation  to  particular  churches  :  Provided  always, 
that  such  missions  be  made  with  the  consent  of 


Form  of  Government.  381 

the  parties  appointed ;  and  that  the  judicatory 
sending  them  make  the  necessary  provision  for 
their  support  and  reward  in  the  performance  of 
this  service. 


CHAPTER  XVIIL 

OF  MODERATORS. 

Sect.  I.  TTT  is  equally  necessary  in  the  judi- 
|    catories  of  the  church,  as  in  other 

A  Moderator  assemblies,  that  there  should  be  a  mo- 
necessary,  derator  or  president ;  that  the  business 
may  be  conducted  with  order  and  dispatch. 

Sect.  II.  The  moderator  is  to  be  considered 
The  Authority  as  possessing,  by  delegation  from 
and  Duty  of  the  the  whole  body,  all  authority  neces- 
Moderator.         sary  rQr  tke  preservation  of  order; 

for  convening  and  adjourning  the  judicatory ; 
and  directing  its  operations  according  to  the  rules 
of  the  church.  He  is  to  propose  to  the  judica- 
tory every  subject  of  deliberation  that  comes  be- 
fore them.  He  may  propose  what  appears  to 
him  the  most  regular  and  speedy  way  of  bringing 
any  business  to  issue.  He  shall  prevent  the  mem- 
bers  from  interrupting  each  other;  and  require 
them,  in  speaking,  always  to  address  the  chair. 
He  shall  prevent  a  speaker  from  deviating  from 
the  subject ;  and  from  using  personal  reflections. 
He  shall  silence  those  who  refuse  to  obey  order. 
He  shall  prevent  members  who  attempt  to  leave 
the  judicatory  without  leave  obtained  from  him, 


382  Form  of  Government. 

He  shall,  at  a  proper  season,  when  the  delibera* 
tions  are  ended,  put  the  question  and  call  the 
votes.  If  the  judicatory  be  equally  divided  he 
shall  possess  the  casting  vote.  If  he  be  not  will- 
ing to  decide,  he  shall  put  the  question  a  second 
time  :  and  if  the  judicatory  be  again  equally  di- 
vided, and  he  decline  to  give  his  vote,  the  ques- 
tion shall  be  lost.  In  all  questions  he  shall  give  a 
concise  and  clear  state  of  the  object  of  the  vote ; 
and  the  vote  being  taken,  shall  then  declare  how 
the  question  is  decided.  And  he  shall  likewise 
be  empowered  on  any  extraordinary  emergency, 
to  convene  the  judicatory,  by  his  circular  letter, 
before  the  ordinary  time  of  meeting. 

Sect.  III.  The  pastor  of  the  congregation 
Th  Mmist  s^a^  ^ways  be  ^e  moderator  of  the 
perpetual  Mo-  church  session ;  except  when,  for 
derator  of  the  prudential  reasons,  it  may  appear  ad- 
Church  Session.  viseabIe   that  some   other    minister 

should  be  invited  to  preside :  in  which  case  the 
pastor  may,  with  the  concurrence  of  the  session, 
invite  such  other  minister  as  they  may  see  meet, 
belonging  to  the  same  presbytery,  to  preside  in 
that  affair.  In  this  judicatory,  therefore,  the  mo- 
derator  is  continual :  but,  in  the  vacancy  of  any 
church,  the  moderator  shall  be  the  minister  sent 
to  them  by  the  presbytery  ;  or  invited  by  the  ses- 
sion to  preside  on  a  particular  occasion.  In  con- 
gregations, where  there  are  colleagues,  they  shall, 
when  present,  alternately  preside  in  the  session. 
Sect.  IV.  The  moderator  of  the  presbytery 
shall  be  chosen  from  year  to  year, 
of  the  otheTjudi'  or  at  every  meeting  of  the  presby- 
catories,  how  to  be  tery,  as  the  presbytery  may  think 
chosen,  besU  The  moderator  of  ^  synod, 


Form  of  Government.  383 

and  of  the  General  Assembly,  shall  be  chosen  at 
each  meeting  of  those  judicatories:  and  the  last 
moderator  present  shall  open  the  meeting  with  a 
sermon,  and  shall  hold  the  chair  till  a  new  moder- 
ator be  chosen. 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

OF  PRIVILEGE. 

IT  shall  be  the  privilege  of  any  member  of  a 
judicatory  to  speak,  in  his  proper  order,  to  any 
question,  with  leave  from  the  moderator.  The 
moderator  shall  give  leave  to  the  person  who  first 
rises;  but  if  two,  or  more  members,  are  judged 
to  have  risen  at  the  same  time,  the  moderator  shall 
determine  which  shall  speak  first.  Any  member 
shall  have  a  right  to  propose  any  question,  relative 
to  the  business  of  the  church,  or  to  the  interests 
of  religion,  and  to  have  it  put  to  vote  :  provided 
only,  that  his  motion  be  seconded  by  another  mem- 
ber. If  any  member  conceive  his  privilege  to  be 
unjustly  controuled  by  the  moderator,  he  may  ap- 
peal to  the  judicatory,  who  shall  determine  the 
point  of  privilege  by  a  vote :  and  the  moderator 
and  member  must  submit  to  the  suffrage  of  the 
judicatory. 


384  Form  of  Government. 

CHAPTER  XX. 

OF  CLERKS. 

EVERY  judicatory  shall  choose  a  clerk,  to  re- 
cord their  transactions,  whose  continuance 
shall  be  during  pleasure.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of 
the  clerk,  besides  recording  the  transactions,  to 
preserve  them  carefully  ;  and  to  grant  extracts 
from  them,  whenever  properly  required  ;  and  such 
extracts,  under  the  hand  of  the  clerk,  shall  be  con- 
sidered  as  authentic  vouchers  of  the  fact  which 
they  declare,  in  any  ecclesiastical  judicatory,  and 
to  every  part  of  the  church. 


CHAPTER  XXI. 

OF  VACANT  CONGREGATIONS  ASSEMBLING  FOR 
PUBLIC  WORSHIP. 

CONSIDERING  the  great  importance  of 
weekly  assembling  the  people,  for  the  pub- 
lic worship  of  God;  in  order  thereby  to  improve 
their  knowledge ;  to  confirm  their  habits  of  wor- 
ship, and  their  desire  of  the  public  ordinances  ;  to 
augment  their  reverence  for  the  most  high  God ; 
and  to  promote  the  charitable  affections  which 
unite  men  most  firmly  in  society  :  It  is  recom- 
mended, that  every  vacant  congregation  meet  to- 
gether, on  the  Lord's  day,  at  one  or  more  places, 
for  the  purpose  of  prayer,  singing  praises,  and 


Form  of  Government.  385 

reading  the  holy  scriptures,  together  with  the  works 
of  such  approved  divines,  as  the  presbytery,  with- 
in  whose  bounds  they  are,  may  recommend,  and 
they  may  be  able  to  procure;  and  that  the  elders 
or  deacons  be  the  persons  who  shall  preside,  and 
select  the  portions  of  scripture,  and  of  the  other 
books  to  be  read ;  and  to  see  that  the  whole  be 
conducted  in  a  becoming  and  orderly  manner. 


CHAPTER  XXIL 

OF  COMMISSIONERS  TO  THE  GENERAL  ASSEMBLY. 

Sect.  I.  r  1 1  HE  commissioners  to  the  General 

H     Assembly  shall  always  be  appoint- 

Commissioners    ed  by  the  presbytery  from  which  they 

shall  be  appoint-  come    at  its  last  stated  meeting  im- 

ed   at    the   last  ..       ,  .-  ,  .^  n 

stated  meeting  of  mediately  preceding  the  meeting  of 
the  presbytery.  the  General  Assembly;  provided,  that 
there  be  a  sufficient  interval,  between  that  time  and 
the  meeting  of  the  Assembly,  for  their  commis- 
sioners to  attend  their  duty  in  due  season; 
otherwise,  the  presbytery  may  make  the  appoint- 
ment at  any  stated  meeting,  not  more  than  seven 
months  preceding  the  meeting  of  the  Assembly. 
And  as  much  as  possible  to  prevent  all  failure  in 
the  representation  of  the  presbyteries,  arising  from 
unforeseen  accidents  to  those  first  appointed,  it 
may  be  expedient  for  each  presbytery,  in  the  room 
of  each  commissioner,  to  appoint  also  an  alternate 
commissioner,  to  supply  his  place,  in  case  of  ne- 
cessary absence. 

Kk 


386  Form  of  Government. 

Sect.  II.  Each  commissioner,  before  his  name 
shall  be  enrolled  as  a  member  of  the 
C^misL"  Assembly,  shall  produce,  from  his  pres- 
bytery, a  commission  under  the  hand 
of  the  moderator  and  clerk,  in  the  following  or  like 
form:  viz. 

"  The  presbytery  of  being  met  at 

on  the  day  of  doth 

hereby  appoint  bishop  of  the 

congregation  of  [or  ruling  el- 

der in  the  congregation  of  as 

the  case  may  be  ;]"  (to  which  the  presbytery  may, 
if  they  think  proper,  make  a  substitution  in  the 
following  form,  "  or  in  case  of  his  absence,  then 

bishop  of  the  congre- 
gation of  [or  ruling  elder 
in  the  congregation  of  as  the  case  may 
be;]")  to  be  a  commissioner,  on  behalf  of  this 
presbytery,  to  the  next  General  Assembly  of  the 
presby  terian  church  in  the  United  States  of  Amer- 
ica, to  meet  at  on  the  day  of 
A.  D.  or  wherever,  and  when- 
ever, the  said  Assembly  may  happen  to  sit ;  to 
consult,  vote,  and  determine,  on  all  things  that 
may  come  before  that  body,  according  to  the  prin- 
ciples and  constitution  of  this  church  and  the  word 
of  God.  And  of  his  diligence  herein,  he  is  to  ren- 
der an  account  at  his  return. 

Signed,  by  order  of  the  Presbytery, 

Moderator, 
Clerk." 
And  the  presbytery  shall  make  record  of  the 
appointment. 


Form  of  Government.  387 

Sect.  III.  These  commissions  shall,  if  possible, 
Commissions  be  delivered  to  the  clerk  of  the  As- 
shall  be  deli-  Sembly,  in  proper  season,  that  he  may 
clerk  at  the  have  the  roll  of  the  Assembly  corn- 
first  Session,  pleted  before  the  first  session.  Com- 
missions, not  produced  at  the  opening  of  the  As- 
sembly, shnll  afterwards  be  delivered  only  in  the 
intervals  between  the  sessions.  No  commissioner 
shall  have  a  right  to  deliberate  or  vote  in  the  As- 
sembly, until  his  name  shall  have  been  enrolled  by 
the  clerk,  and  his  commission  publicly  read,  and 
filed  among  the  papers  of  the  Assembly. 

Seek  lV.   The  General  Assembly  shall  meet, 

The  Assembly  at  least  on.ce  in  every  year  ;  their 
shall  meet  once  first  meeting  to  be  on  the  third 
a  Year.  Thursday  of  May,  1789,  in  the  Se- 

cond Presbyterian  Church  in  Philadelphia,  and 
afterwards  on  their  own  adjournments.  If  there 
be  not  a  sufficient  number,  for  the  transaction  of 
business,  convened  before  12  o'clock,  on  that  day, 
those  who  are  present  shall  have  power  to  adjourn, 
from  day  to  day,  till  a  sufficient  number  shall  have 
met  to  constitute  an  Assembly. 

Sect.  V.  On  the  day  to  wThich  the  General 
And  shall  be  Assembly  stands  adjourned,  and  be- 
opened  with  tween  the  hours  of  eleven  and  twelve, 
a  Sermon.  the  mocfcrator  of  the  last  General  As- 
sembly, if  present ;  or,  in  case  of  his  absence, 
the  senior  minister  present,  shall  open  the  meet- 
ing with  a  sermon.  After  sermon,  the  mem- 
bers being  in  the  house  where  the  Assembly  is  to 
hold  its  sessions,  the  same  minister  who  preached 
shall,  by  prayer,  publicly  implore  the  blessing 
and  direction  of  Almighty  God  ;  and  shall  con- 


388  Form  of  Governm'etit. 

tinue  to  preside  till  a  new  moderator  be  chosen. 
For  this  purpose  he  shall  call  for  the  commissions 
of  those  present ;  which  being  read,  and  the 
names  of  the  members  enrolled  in  order,  if  there 
be  a  quorum,  they  shall  choose  a  moderator. 

Sect.  VI.  Each  session  of  the  Assembly,  as  of 
Mode  of  dissoiv-  all  the  other  judicatories  of  the 
ing  the  Assembly,  church,  shall  be  introduced  and 
concluded  with  prayer.  And  the  whole  business 
of  the  Assembly  being  finished,  and  the  vote  being 
taken  for  dissolving  the  present  Assembly,  the 
moderator  shall  say  from  the  chair:  "By  virtue 
of  the  authority  delegated  to  me  by  the  church, 
let  this  General  Assembly  be  dissolved  ;  and  I  do 
hereby  dissolve  it,  and  require  another  Assembly 
chosen  in  the  same  manner,  to  meet  at 
on  the  day  of  A.  D. 

."  After  which  he  shall  pray,  and  re- 
turn  thanks  to  God  for  his  great  mercy  and  good- 
ness, and  pronounce  on  those  present,  the  apos- 
tolic benediction. 

Sect.  VII.  In  order,  as  far  as  possible,  to 
Expenses  of  procure  a  respectable  and  full  delega- 
Deiegates  to  tion  to  all  our  judicatories,  it  is  pro- 
be deirayed.  per^  ^^  tke  eXpenses  0f  ministers  and 

elders,  in  their  attendance  on  these  judicatories, 
be  defrayed,  by  the  bodies  which  they  respectively 
represent. 


FORMS 


IN  THE 

JUDICATORIES  OF  THIS  CHURCH. 

CHAPTER  I. 

WITH  regard  to  Scandals  or  Offences 
that  may  arise  in  our  churches,  we  agree 
to  observe  the  following  rules  of  proceeding. 

1.  Inasmuch  as  all  baptized  persons  are  mem- 
bers  of  the  church,  they  are  under  its  care,  and 
subject  to  its  government  and  discipline  :  and, 
when  they  have  arrived  at  the  years  of  discretion, 
they  are  bound  to  perform  all  the  duties  of  church- 
members. 

2.  No  accusation  shall  be  admitted,  as  the 
foundation  of  a  process  before  an  ecclesiastical 
judicatory,  but  where  such  offences  are  alledged, 
as  appear,  from  the  word  of  God,  to  merit  the 
public  notice  and  censure  of  the  church.  And, 
in  the  accusation,  the  times,  places,  and  circum- 
stances, should  be  ascertained,  if  possible  ;  that 
the  accused  may  have  an  opportunity  to  prove  an 
alibis  or  to  extenuate,  or  alleviate  his  crime. 

3.  No  complaint  or  information,  on  the  subject 

K  k  2 


390  Forms  of  Process,  &fa. 

of  personal  and  private  injuries,  shall  be  admitted, 
unless  those  means  of  reconciliation,  and  of  pri- 
vately reclaiming  the  offender,  have  been  used, 
which  are  required  by  Christ.  Matt,  xviii  15, 
16.  And,  in  all  cases,  the  ecclesiastical  judica- 
tories, in  receiving  accusations,  in  conducting 
processes,  or  inflicting  censures,  ought  to  avoid,  as 
far  as  possible,  the  divulging  of  offences,  to  the 
scandal  of  the  church  :  because  the  unnecessary 
spreading  of  scandal  hardens  and  enrages  the 
guilty,  grieves  the  godly,  and  dishonours  religion. 
And  if  any  private  Christian  shall  industriously 
spread  the  knowledge  of  an  offence,  unless  in  pro- 
secuting it  before  the  proper  judicatories  of  the 
church,  he  shall  be  liable  to  censure,  as  an  uncan- 
did  slanderer  of  his  brother. 

4.  When  complaint  is  made  of  a  crime,  cog- 
nizable before  any  judicatory,  no  more  shall  be 
done  at  the  first  meeting,  unless  by  consent  of 
parties,  than  to  give  the  accused  a  copy  of  each 
charge  with  the  names  of  the  witnesses  to  sup- 
port it ;  and  a  citation  of  all  concerned,  to  appear 
at  the  next  meeting  of  the  judicatory,  to  have 
the  matter  fully  heard  and  decided.  Notice  shall 
be  given  to  the  parties  concerned,  at  least  ten  days, 
previously  to  the  meeting  of  the  judicatory. 

5.  The  judicatory,  in  many  cases,  may  find  it 
more  for  edification,  to  send  some  members  to 
converse,  in  a  private  manner,  with  the  accused 
person  ;  and,  if  he  confess  guilt,  to  endeavour  to 
bring  him  to  repentance,  than  to  proceed  imme* 
diatelv  to  citation. 

6.  When  an  accused  person,  or  a  witness,  re* 
fuses  to  obey  the  citation,  he  shall  be  cited  a  se- 


Forms  of  Process,   &fr.  391 

cond,  and  third  time  ;  and  if  he  still  continue  to 
refuse,  he  shall  be  excluded  from  the  commu- 
nion of  the  church,  for  his  contumacy ;  until  he 
repent. 

7.  No  crime  shall  be  considered  as  established 
by  a  single  witness. 

8.  The  oath  or  affirmation,  to  be  taken  by  a 
witness,  shall  be  administered  by  the  moderator, 
and  shall  be  in  the  following,  or  like  terms  :  "  I 
solemnly  promise,  in  the  presence  of  the  omnis- 
cient and  heart-searching  God,  that  I  will  declare 
the  truth,  the  whole  truth,  and  nothing  but  the 
truth  ;  according  to  the  best  of  my  knowledge,  in 
the  matter  in  w  hich  I  am  called  to  witness,  as  I 
shall  answer  it  to  the  great  Judge  of  quick  and 
dead." 

9.  The  trial  shall  be  open,  fair,  and  impartial. 
The  witnesses  shall  be  examined  in  the  presence 
of  the  accused  ;  or  at  least  after  he  shall  have  re- 
ceived due  citation  to  attend  :  and  he  shall  be  per- 
mitted to  ask  any  questions  tending  to  his  own 
exculpation. 

10.  No  witness,  afterwards  to  be  examined, 
shall  be  present  during  the  examination  of  ano- 
ther witness,  on  the  same  case. 

11.  The  testimony  given  by  witnesses,  must  be 
faithfully  recorded,  and  read  to  them,  for  their 
approbation  or  subscription. 

12.  The  judgment  shall  be  regularly  entered 
on  the  records  of  the  judicatory  :  and  the  parties 
shall  be  allowed  copies  of  the  whole  proceedings, 
if  they  demand  them.  In  case  ol  references,  or 
appeals,  the  judicatory  appealed  from  shall  send 
authentic  copies  of  the  whole  process  to  the  higher 


392  Forms  of  Process,  £V. 

judicatories  :  and  it  shall  be  considered  as  regular, 
for  any  member  or  members  who  may  have  dissent- 
ed from  the  judgment  of  the  inferior  judicatory, 
to  state  and  support  their  reasons,  on  the  appeal. 

13.  The  person  found  guilty  shall  be  admonish- 
ed,  or  rebuked,  or  excluded  from  church  privi- 
leges, as  the  case  shall  appear  to  deserve ;  and 
this  only  till  he  give  satisfactory  evidence  of  re- 
pentance. 

14.  The  sentence  shall  be  published,  only  in 
the  church  or  churches  which  have  been  offend- 
ed. Or,  if  it  be  a  matter  of  small  importance, 
and  it  shall  appear  most  for  edification  not  to  pub- 
lish it,  it  may  pass  only  in  the  judicatory. 

15.  Such  gross  offenders  as  will  not  be  reclaim- 
ed by  the  private  or  public  admonitions  of  the 
church,  are  to  be  cut  off  from  its  communion, 
agreeably  to  our  Lord's  direction,  Matt,  xviii.  17. 
and  the  apostolic  injunction  respecting  the  inces- 
tuous person,  1  Cor.  ver.  1  —5.  But  as  this  is 
the  highest  censure  of  the  church,  and  of  the 
most  solemn  nature,  it  is  not  to  be  inflicted  with- 
out the  advice  and  consent  of,  at  least,  the  pres- 
bytery under  whose  care  the  particular  church  is, 
to  which  the  offender  belongs  ;  or  the  advice  of  a 
higher  judicatory,  as  the  case  may  appear  to 
require. 

16.  All  processes  in  cases  of  scandal  shall 
commence,  within  the  space  of  one  year  after  the 
crime  shall  have  been  committed ;  unless  it  shall 
have  become  recently  flagrant. 

17.  When  any  member  shall  remove  from  one 
congregation  to  another,  he  shall  produce  proper 
testimonials  of  his  churcb-membership,  before  he 


Forms  of  Process »,  Esfc.  393 

be  admitted  to  church-privileges ;  unless  the 
church,  to  which  he  removes,  has  other  satisfacto- 
ry means  of  information. 


•  CHAPTER  II. 

OF  PROCESS  AGAINST  A  BISHOP  OR  MINISTER. 

AS  the  success  of  the  gospel,  in  a  great  mea- 
sure, depends  upon  the  credit  and  good 
report  of  its  ministers,  each  presbytery  ought, 
with  the  greatest  attention,  to  watch  over  all  its 
members;  and  be  careful  to  censure  them,  when 
necessary,  with  impartiality ;  either  for  personal 
crimes,  which  they  may  commit  in  common  with 
other  men ;  or  those  that  are  vocational,  arising 
from  the  manner  in  which  they  may  discharge 
their  important  office. 

1.  Process,  against  a  gospel  minister,  shall  al- 
ways be  entered  before  the  presbytery  of  which 
he  is  a  member.  And,  in  case  it  shall  be  found 
that  the  facts  with  which  he  shall  be  charged  hap. 
pened  without  the  bounds  of  his  own  presbytery, 
they  shall  send  notice  to  the  presbytery  within 
whose  bounds  they  did  happen  :  and  desire  that 
presbytery,  either  (if  within  convenient  distance) 
to  cite  the  witnesses  to  appear  at  the  place  where 
the  trial  began,  or,  if  otherwise,  to  take  the  exa- 
mination themselves,  and  transmit  an  authentic 
record  of  their  testimony.  Always  giving  due 
notice  to  the  accused  person  of  the  time  and  place 
of  such  examination, 


394    ,  Forms  of  Process,  &c. 

2.  Nevertheless,  in  case  of  a  minister  being 
supposed  to  be  guilty  of  any  crime,  or  crimes,  at 
such  a  distance  from  his  usual  place  of  residence, 
as  that  the  offence  is  not  likely  to  become  other- 
wise  known  to  the  presbytery  to  which  he  be- 
longs ;  it  shall,  in  such  case,  be  the  duty  of  the 
presbytery  within  whose  bounds  the  facts  shall 
have  Happened,  after  satisfying  themselves  ^hat 
there  is  probable  ground  of  accusation,  to  send 
notice  to  the  presbytery  of  which  he  is  a  member; 
who  are  to  proceed  against  him,  and  to  take  the 
proof  by  commission,  as  above  directed, 

3.  Process,  against  a  gospel  minister,  shall  not 
be  entered  upon  unless  some  person,  or  persons, 
undertake  to  make  out  the  charge  ;  or  when  com- 
mon fame  so  loudly  proclaims  the  scandal,  that 
the  presbytery  find  it  necessary  to  prosecute,  and 
search  into  the  matter,  for  the  honour  of  religion. 

4.  As  the  success  of  the  gospel  greatly  depends 
on  the  unblemished  character  of  its  ministers ; 
their  soundness  in  the  faith,  and  holy,  and  exem- 
plary conversation;  and  as  it  is  the  duty  of  all 
Christians  to  be  very  cautious  in  taking  up  an  ill 
report  of  any  man  ;  it  is  especially  so  of  a  minis- 
ter of  the  gospel.  If,  therefore,  any  man  know  a 
minister  guilty  of  a  private  censurable  fault,  he 
should  warn  him  in  private.  But  if  he  persist  in 
it,  or  it  become  public,  he  should  apply  to  some 
other  bishop  of  the  presbytery,  for  his  advice  in 
the  matter. 

5.  When  complaint  is  laid  before  the  presby- 
tery, it  must  be  reduced  to  writing  ;  and  nothing 
farther  is  to  be  done  at  the  first  meeting,  unless  by 
consent  of  parties,  than  giving  the  minister  a  full 


Forms  of  Process,  t?c.  395* 

copy  of  the  charges,  with  the  names  of  the  wit- 
nesses annc  xed  thereto  ;  and  citing  a;l  parties,  and 
their  witnesses,  to  appear  and  be  heard  at  the  next 
meeting :  which  meeting  shall  not  be  sooner  than 
ten  days  after  such  cita:ion. 

6.  At  the  next  meeting  of  the  presbytery,  the 
charges  must  be  read  to  him,  and  his  answers 
heard.  If  it  appear  necessary  to  proceed  farther, 
the  presbytery  ought  to  labour  to  bring  him  to 
confession.  And  if  he  confess,  and  the  matter  be 
base  and  flagitious  ;  such  as  drunkenness,  unclean- 
ness,  or  crimes  of  a  higher  nature,  however  peni- 
tent he  may  appear,  to  the  satisfaction  of  all,  the 
presbytery  mu^t,  without  delay,  suspend  him  from 
the  exercise  of  his  ofiicr,  or  depose  him  from  the 
ministry ;  and  appoint  him  a  due  time  to  confess 
publicly  before  the  congregation  offended,  and  to 
profess  his  repentance, 

7.  The  prosecutor  shall  be  previously  warned, 
that,  if  he  fail  to  prove  the  charges,  he  must  him- 
self be  censured,  as  a  slanderer  of  the  gospel  min- 
istry, in  proportion  to  the  malignity,  or  rabhness, 
that  shall  appear  in  the  prosecution. 

8  If  a  minister,  accused  of  atrocious  crimes, 
being  twice  duly  cited,  shall  refuse  to  attend  the 
presbytery,  he  must  be  immediately  suspended. 
And  if,  alter  another  citation,  he  still  refuse  to  at- 

d,  he  shall  be  deposed  as  contumacious. 

9.  If  the  minister,  when  he  appears,  will  not 
confess  :  but  denies  the  facts  alledged  against  him; 
if,  on  hearing  the  witnesses,  the  charges  appear 
important  and  well  supported,  the  presbytery  must, 
nevertheless,  censure  him  ;  and  suspend  or  depose 
him,  according  to  the  nature  of  the  offence. 


396  JForms  of  Process,  &rc. 

10  Heresy  and  schism  may  be  of  such  a  nature 
as  to  inter  deposition  :  but  errors  ought  to  be  care- 
fully  considered ;  whether  they  strike  at  the  vitals 
of  religion,  and  are  industriously  spread  ;  or  whe- 
ther they  arise  from  the  weakness  of  the  human 
understanding,  and  are  not  likely  to  do  so  much 
hurt. 

11.  A  minister,  under  process  for  heresy  or 
schism,  should  be  treated  with  Christian  and  bro- 
therly tenderness.  Frequent  conferences  ought  to 
be  held  with  him,  and  proper  admonitions  admin- 
istered. Yet,  for  some  more  dangerous  errors, 
suspension  becomes  necessary.  But  a  synod  should 
be  consulted  in  such  cases. 

12.  If  the  presbytery  find,  on  trial,  that  the  mat- 
ter complained  of  amounts  to  no  more  than  such 
acts  of  infirmity  as  may  be  amended,  and  the  peo- 
ple satisfied ;  so  as  little  or  nothing  remains  to 
hinder  his  usefulness ;  they  shall  take  all  prudent 
measures  to  remove  the  offence. 

13.  A  minister,  deposed  for  scandalous  conduct, 
may  not  be  restored,  even  on  his  deepest  sorrow 
for  sin,  without  some  time  of  eminent  and  exem- 
plary, humble,  and  edifying  conversation,  to  heal 
the  wound  made  by  his  scandal. 

14.  As  soon  as  a  minister  is  deposed,  his  con- 
gregation shall  be  declared  vacant. 


THE 


FOR  THE  WORSHIP  OF  GOD  IN  THE  PRESBYTERIAN 
CHURCH  IN  THE  UNITED  STATES  OF  AMERICA  * 

CHAPTER  I. 

OF  THE  SANCTIFICATION  OF  THE  LORD'S  DAY. 

Sect.  I.  XT  is  the  duty  of  every  person  to  re- 
j|_  member  the  Lord's  day  ;  and  to  pre- 
pare for  it,  before  its  approach.  All  worldly  busi- 
ness should  be  so  ordered,  and  seasonably  laid  aside, 
as  that  we  may  not  be  hindered  thereby  from  sanc- 
tifying the  sabbath,  as  the  holy  scriptures  require. 

Sect.  II.  The  whole  day  is  to  be  kept  holy  to 
the  Lord ;  and  to  be  employed  in  the  public  and 
private  exercises  of  religion.  Therefore,  it  is  re- 
quisite, that  there  be  an  holy  resting,  all  the  day, 
from  unnecessary  labours ;  and  an  abstaining  from 
those  recreations,  which  may  be  lawful  on  other 
days ;  and  also,  as  much  as  possible,  from  world- 
ly thoughts  and  conversation. 

Sect.  III.  Let  the  provisions,  for  the  support 
of  the  family  on  that  day,  be  so  ordered,  that  ser- 
vants or  others  be  not  improperly  detained  from 
the  public  worship  of  God ;  nor  hindered  from 
sanctifying  the  sabbath. 

Sect.  IV.  Let  every  person  and  family,  in  the 
morning,  by  secret  and  private  prayer,  for  them- 
selves and  others,  especially  for  the  assistance  of 

*  The  scripture-warrant  for  what  is  specified  in  the  various 
articles  of  this  directory,  will  be  found  at  large  in  the  Confession 
of  Faith  and  Catechisms,  in  the  places  where  the  same  subjects 
are  treated  in  a  doctrinal  form. 

LI 


398  Directory  for  Worships  tec. 

God  to  their  minister,  and  for  a  blessing  upon  his 
ministry,  by  reading  the  scriptures,  and  by  holy 
meditation,  prepare  for  communion  with  God  in 
his  public  ordinances. 

Sect.  V.  Let  the  people  be  careful  to  assemble 
at  the  appointed  time  ;  that,  being  all  present  at 
the  beginning,  they  may  unite,  with  one  heart,  in 
all  the  parts  of  public  worship :  and  let  none  un- 
necessarily depart,  till  after  the  blessing  be  pro- 
nounced. 

Sect.  VI.  Let  the  time  after  the  solemn  servi- 
ces of  the  congregation  in  public  are  over,  be  spent 
in  reading;  meditation;  repeating  of  sermons; 
catechising ;  religious  conversation  ;  prayer  for  a 
blessing  upon  the  public  ordinances >  the  singing 
of  psalms,  hymns,  or  spiritual  songs  ;  visiting  the 
sick  ;  relieving  the  poor ;  and  in  performing  such 
like  duties  of  piety,  charity  and  mercy. 


CHAPTER  II. 

OF  THE  ASSEMBLING  OF  THE  CONGREGATION,  AND  THEIR 
BEHAVIOUR  DURING  DIVINE  SERVICE. 

Sect.  I.  %  »  THEN  the  time  appointed  for 
W  public  worship  is  come,  let  the 
people  enter  the  Ghurch,  and  take  their  seats,  in 
a  decent,  grave,  and  reverent  manner. 

Sect.  II.  In  time  of  public  worship,  let  all  the 
people  attend  with  gravity  and  reverence  ;  forbear- 
ing to  read  any  thing,  except  what  the  minister  is 
then  reading  or  citing ;  abstaining  from  all  whis- 
perings; from  salutations  of  persons  present,  or 
coming  in ;  and  from  gazing  about,  sleeping, 
smiling,  and  all  other  indecent  behaviour. 


Directory  for  Worship,  fete  399 

CHAPTER  III. 

OF  THE  PUBLIC  READING  OF  THE  HOLY  SCRIPTURES. 

Sect.  I.  r  1 1  HE  reading  of  the  holy  scriptures, 
^      in  the  congregation,  is  a  part  of 
the  public  worship  of  God,  and  ought  to  be  per- 
formed by  the  ministers  and  teachers. 

Sect,  II.  The  holy  scriptures,  of  the  Old  and 
New  Testament,  shall  be  publicly  read,  from  the 
most  approved  translation,  in  the  vulgar  tongue, 
that  all  may  hear  and  understand. 

Sect.  III.  How  large  a  position  shall  be  read 
at  once,  is  left  to  the  discretion  of  every  minister: 
however,  in  each  service,  he  ought  to  read,  at  least 
one  chapter ;  and  more,  when  the  chapters  are 
short,  or  the  connection  requires  it.  He  may, 
when  he  thinks  it  expedient,  expound  any  part  of 
what  is  read ;  always  having  regard  to  the  time, 
that  neither  reading,  singing,  praying,  preaching, 
or  any  other  ordinance,  be  disproportionate  the 
one  to  the  other ;  nor  the  whole  rendered  too  short, 
or  too  tedious. 

CHAPTER  IV. 

OF  THE  SINGING  OF  PSALMS. 

Sect.  I.  1|"T  is  the  duty  of  Christians  to  praise 
$  God,  by  singing  psalms,  or  hymn-, 
publicly  in  the  church,  as  also  privately  in  the 
family. 

Sect.  II.  In  singing  the  praises  of  God,  we  are 
to  sing  with  the  spirit,  and  with  the  understanding 
also  ;  making  melody  in  our  hearts  unto  the  Lord. 
It  is  also  proper,  that  we  cultivate  some  knowledge 
of  the  rules  of  music  ;   that  we  may  praise  God 


400  Directory  for  Worship,  &fc. 

in  a  becoming  manner  with  our  voices,  as  well  as 
with  our  hearts. 

Sect,  III.  The  whole  congregation  should  be 
furnished  with  books,  and  ought  to  join  in  this 
part  of  worship.  It  is  proper  to  sing  without 
parcelling  out  the  psalm,  line  by  line.  The  prac- 
tice of  reading  the  psalm,  line  by  line,  was  intro- 
duced in  times  of  ignorance,  when  many  in  the 
congregation  could  not  read :  therefore,  it  is  re- 
commended,  that  it  be  laid  aside,  as  far  as  con- 
venient. 

Sect.  IV.  The  proportion  of  the  time  of  pub- 
lic worship  to  be  spent  in  singing,  is  left  to  the 
prudence  of  every  minister  :  but  it  is  recommend- 
ed, that  more  time  be  allowed  for  this  excellent 
part  of  divine  service,  than  has  beea  usual  in  most 
of  our  churches. 


CHAPTER  V. 

OF  PUBLIC  PRAYER. 

Sect*,  I.  TTT  seems  very  proper  to  begin  the 
\  public  worship  of  the  sanctuary  by 
a  short  prayer ;  humbly  adoring  the  infinite  ma- 
jesty of  the  living  God :  expressing  a  sense  of 
outdistance  from  him  as  creatures,  and  un wor- 
thiness as  sinners  :  and  humbly  imploring  his  gra- 
cious presence,  the  assistance  of  his  holy  spirit  in 
the  xlu ties  of  his  worship,  and  his  acceptance  of  us 
through  the  merits  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus 
Christ. 

Sect.  II.  Then,  after  singing  a  psalm,  or  hymn, 
it  is  proper  that,  before  sermon,  there  should  be  a 
full,  and  comprehensive  prayer.  First >  Adoring 
the  glory  and  perfections  of  God,  as  they  are 


Directory  for  tForship,  &c.  401 

made  known  to  us  in  the  works  of  creation ;  in 
the  conduct  of  providence ;  and  in  die  clear,  and 
full  revelation  he  hath  made  of  himself  in  his 
written  word.  Second,  Giving  thanks  to  him  for 
all  his  mercies  of  every  kind,  general  and  parti- 
cular,  spiritual  and  temporal,  common  and  spe- 
cial ;  above  all  for  Christ  Jesus  his  unspeakable 
gift;  and  the  hope  of  eternal  life  through  him. 
Third,  Making  humble  confession  of  sin,  both 
original  and  actual;  acknowledging,  and  endea- 
vouring to  impress  the  mind  of  every  worshipper 
with  a  deep  sense  of  the  evil  of  all  sin,  as  such ; 
as  being  a  departure  from  the  living  God ;  and 
also  taking  a  particular  and  affecting  view  of  the 
various  fruits  which  proceed  from  this  root  of 
bitterness: — as,  sins  against  God,  our  neighbour, 
and  ourselves  ;  sins  in  thought,  in  word,  and  in 
deed  ;  sins  secret  and  presumptuous ;  sins  acci- 
dental and  habitual.  Also,  the  aggravations  of 
sin  ;  arising  from  knowledge,  or  the  means  of  it ; 
from  distinguishing  mercies;  from  valuable  privi- 
leges ;  from  breach  of  vows,  &c.  Fourth,  Making 
earnest  supplication  for  the  pardon  of  sin,  and 
peace  with  God,  through  the  blood  of  the  atone- 
ment, with  all  its  important  and  happy  fruits;  for 
the  spirit  of  sanctification,  and  abundant  supplies 
of  the  grace  that  is  necessary  to  the  discharge  of 
our  duty ;  for  support  and  comfort,  under  all  the 
trials  to  which  we  are  liable,  as  we  are  sinful  and 
mortal ;  and  for  all  temporal  mercies,  that  may  be 
necessary  in  our  passage  through  this  valley  of 
tears.  Always  remembering  to  view  them  as 
flowing  in  the  channel  of  covenant  love,  and  in- 
tended to  be  subservient  to  the  preservation  and 
progress   of  the  spiritual  life.     Fifth,  Pleading 

L  12 


402  Directory  for  Worships  &c. 

from  every  principle  warranted  in  scripture  ;  from 
our  own  necessity  ;  the  all-sufficiency  of  God  ;  the 
merit  and  intercession  of  our  Saviour,  and  the 
glory  of  God  in  the  comfort  and  happiness  of  his 
people.  Sixth,  Intercession  for  others,  including 
the  whole  world  of  mankind ;  the  kingdom  of 
Christ ;  or  his  church  universal ;  the  church  or 
churches  with  which  we  are  more  particularly 
connected;  the  interest  of  human  society  in  gene- 
ral, and  in  that  community,  to  which  we  imme- 
diately belong ;  all  that  are  invested  with  civil  au- 
thority ;  the  ministers  of  the  everlasting  gospel ; 
and  the  rising  generation :  with  whatever  else, 
more  particular,  may  seem  necessary,  or  suitable, 
to  the  interest  of  that  congregation  where  divine 
worship  is  celebrated. 

Sect.  HI.  Prayer  after  sermon  ought  generally 
to  have  a  relation  to  the  subject  that  has  been 
treated  of  in  the  discourse ;  and  all  other  public 
prayers,  to  the  circumstances  that  gave  occasion 
for  them. 

Sect.  IV.  It  is  easy  to  perceive,  that  in  all  the 
preceding  directions  there  is  a  very  great  compass 
and  variety  ;  and  it  is  committed  to  the  judgment 
and  fidelity  of  the  officiating  pastor  to  insist  chiefly 
on  such  parts,  or  to  take  in  more  or  less  of  the  se- 
veral parts,  as  he  shall  be  led  to  by  the  aspect  of 
providence ;  the  particular  state  of  the  congrega- 
tion in  which  he  officiates  ;  or  the  disposition  and 
exercise  of  his  own  heart  at  the  time. — But  we 
think  it  necessary  to  observe,  that  although  we  do 
not  approve,  as  is  well  known,  of  confining  minis- 
ters to  set,  or  fixed  forms  of  prayer  for  public 
worship ;  yet  it  is  the  indispensible  duty  of  every 
.minister,  previously  to  his  entering  on  his  office, 


Directory  for  Worships  &c.  40S 

to  prepare  and  qualify  himself  for  this  part  of  his 
duty,  as  well  as  for  preaching.  He  ought,  by  a 
thorough  acquaintance  with  the  holy  scriptures; 
by  reading  the  best  writers  on  the  subject ;  by 
meditation  ;  and  by  a  life  of  communion  with  God 
in  secret ;  to  endeavour  to  acquire  both  the  spirit 
and  the  gift  of  prayer. — Not  only  so,  but  when  he 
is  to  enter  on  particular  acts  of  worship,  he  should 
endeavour  to  compose  his  spirit,  and  to  digest  his 
thoughts  for  prayer,  that  it  may  be  performed  with 
dignity  and  propriety,  as  well  as  to  the  profit  of 
those  who  join  in  it ;  and  that  he  may  not  disgrace 
that  important  service  by  mean,  irregular,  or  ex- 
travagant effusions. 

CHAPTER  VI. 

OF  THE  PREACHING  OF  THE  WORD. 

Sect.  I.  v  ■  iHE  preaching  of  the  word  being 
§  an  institution  of  God  for  the 
salvation  of  men,  great  attention  should  be  paid  to 
the  manner  of  performing  it. — Every  minister 
ought  to  give  diligent  application  to  it ;  and  en- 
deavour  to  prove  himself  a  workman  that  needeth 
not  to  be  ashamed ;  rightly  dividing  the  word  of 
truth. 

Sect.  II.  The  subject  of  a  sermon  should  be 
some  verse,  or  verses  of  scripture  ;  and  its  object, 
to  explain,  defend,  and  apply  some  purt  ot  the 
system  of  divine  truth  ;  or,  to  point  out  the  nature, 
and  state  the  bounds,  and  obligation  of  some  duty. 
A  text  should  not  be  merely  a  motto  :  but  should 
fairly  contain  the  doctrine  proposed  to  be  handled. 
It  is  proper  also  that  large  portions  of  scripture 
be  sometimes  expounded,   and  particularly  im- 


404  Directory  for  Worship,  i£c. 

proved,  for  the  instruction  of  the  people  in  the 
meaning  and  use  of  the  sacred  oracles. 

Seeu  III.  The  method  of  preaching  requires 
much  study,  meditation  and  prayer. — Ministers 
ought,  in  general,  to  prepare  their  sermons  with 
care  ;  and  not  to  indulge  themselves  in  loose,  ex- 
temporary harangues  ;  nor  to  serve  God  with  that 
which  cost  them  nought. — They  ought,  however, 
to  keep  to  the  simplicity  of  the  gospel ;  express- 
ing themselves  in  language  agreeable  to  scripture, 
and  level  to  the  understanding  of  the  meanest  of 
their  hearers  ;  carefully  avoiding  ostentation,  either 
of  parts  or  learning. — They  ought  also  to  adorn, 
by  their  lives,  the  doctrine  which  they  teach  ;  and 
to  be  examples  to  the  believers,  in  word,  in  con- 
versation, in  charity,  in  spirit,  in  faith,  in  purity. 

Sect.  IV.  As  one  primary  design  of  public  or- 
dinances is  to  pay  social  acts  of  homage  to  the 
Most  high  God,  ministers  ought  to  be  careful,  not 
to  make  their  sermons  so  long  as  to  interfere  with, 
or  exclude  the  more  important  duties  of  prayer 
and  praise ;  but  preserve  a  just  proportion  between 
the  several  parts  of  public  worship. 

Sect.  V.  The  sermon  being  ended,  the  minister 
is  to  pray,  and  return  thanks  to  almighty  God : 
then  let  a  psalm  be  sung ;  a  collection  raised  for 
the  poor,  or  other  purposes  of  the  church ;  and 
the  assembly  dismissed  with  the  apostolic  bene- 
diction. 

CHAPTER  VII. 

OF  THE  ADMINISTRATION  OF  BAPTISM. 

Sect.  I.    Y%  APTISM   is  not  to  be  unne- 

JSJ   cessarily    delayed ;    nor   to    be 

administered,  in  any  case,  by  any  private  person ; 


Directory  for  Worships   fcfc.  405 

but  by  a  minister  of  Christ,  called  to  be  the  stew- 
ard  of  the  mysteries  of  God. 

Sect.  II.  It  is  usually  to  be  administered  ia 
the  church,  in  the  presence  of  the  congregation ; 
and  it  is  convenient  that  it  be  performed  imme- 
diately after  sermon. 

Sect.  III.  After  previous  notice  is  given  to  the 
minister,  the  child  to  be  baptized  is  to  be  present- 
ed,  by  one  or  both  the  parents  signifying  their 
desire  that  the  child  may  be  baptized. 

Seet.  IV.  Before  baptism,  let  the  minister  use 
some  words  of  instruction,  respecting  the  institu- 
tion, nature,  use  and  ends  of  this  ordinance : 
shewing, 

4  That  it  is  instituted  by  Christ ;   that  it  is  a 

*  seal  of  the  righteousness  of  faith ;  that  the  seed 
4  of  the  faithful  have  no  less  a  right  to  this  ordi- 
f  nance,  under  the  gospel,  than  the  seed  of  Abra- 

*  ham  to  circumcision,  under  the  Old  Testament ; 
1  that  Christ  commanded  all  nations  to  be  baptiz- 
1  ed ;  that  he  blessed  little  children,  declaring  that 
4  of  such  is  the  kingdom  of  heaven  ;  that  children 
4  are  federally  holy,  and  therefore  ought  to  be  bap- 
4  tized ;  that  we  are,  by  nature,  sinful,  guilty  and 
4  polluted,  and  have  need  of  cleansing  by  the 
'  blood  of  Christ,  and  by  the  sanctifying  influen- 
4  ces  of  the  Spirit  of  God.' 

The  minister  is  also  to  exhort  the  parents  to  the 
careful  performance  of  their  duty  :  requiring, 

1  That  they  teach  the  child  to  read  the  word  of 
4  God ;  that  they  instruct  it  ill  the  principles  of 
4  our  holy  religion,  as  contained  in  the  scriptures 
1  of  the  Old  and  New  Testament ;  an  excellent 
4  summary  of  which  we  have  in  the  Confession  of 
4  Faith   of  this  church,  and  in  the  Larger  and 


406  Directory  for  Worships  l£c. 

1  shorter  Catechisms  of  the  Westminster  Assem- 
\  bly,  which  are  to  be  recommended  to  them,  as 
€  adopted  by  this  church,  for  their  direction  and 

*  assistance,  in  the  discharge  of  this  important 
1  duty  ;  that  they  pray  with  and  for  it ;  that  they 
1  set  an  example  of  piety  and  godliness  before  it  ; 

*  and  endeavour,  by  all  the  means  of  God's  ap- 
1  pointment,  to  bring  up  their  child  in  the  nur- 
1  ture  and  admonition  of  the  Lord.' 

Sect.  V.  Then  the  minister  is  to  pray  for  a 
blessing  to  attend  this  ordinance ;  after  which,  call- 
ing the  child  by  its  name,  he  shall  say, 

1  I  baptize  thee,  in  the  name  of  the  father,  and 

*  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost. ' 

As  he  pronounces  these  words,  he  is  to  bap- 
tize the  child  with  water ;  by  pouring  or  sprink- 
ling it  on  the  face  of  the  child,  without  adding  any 
other  ceremony  :  and  the  whole  shall  be  conclud- 
ed with  prayer. 

Although  it  is  proper  that  baptism  be  adminis- 
tered in  the  presence  of  the  congregation  ;  yet  there 
may  be  cases,  when  it  will  be  expedient  to  ad- 
minister this  ordinance  in  private  houses  of  which 
the  minister  is  to  be  the  judge. 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

OF  THE  ADMINISTRATION  OF  THE  LORD'S  SUPPER. 

Sect.  I.  r  ■  ^HE  communion,  or  supper  of  the 
^  Lord,  is  to  be  celebrated  fre- 
quently; but  how  often,  may  be  determined  by 
the  minister  and  eldership  of  each  congregation, 
as  they  may  judge  most  for  edification. 

Sect.  II.  The  ignorant  and  scandalous  are  not 
to  be  admitted  to  the  Lord's  supper. 


Directory  for  Worship,  6?*3  407 

Sect.  III.  It  is  proper  that  public  notice  should 
be  given  to  the  congregation,  at  least,  the  sabbath 
before  the  administration  of  this  ordinance,  and 
that,  either  then,  or  on  some  day  of  the  week,  the 
people  be  instructed  in  its  nature,  and  a  due  pre- 
paration for  it ;  that  all  may  come  in  a  suitable 
manner  to  this  holy  feast. 

Sect.  IV.  When  the  sermon  is  ended,  the 
minister  shall  shew, 

1  That  this  is  an  ordinance  of  Christ ;  by  read- 
ft  ing  the  words  of  institution,  either  from  one  of 
'  the  evangelists,  or  from  1  Cor.  xi.  chapter ; 
4  which,  as  to  him  may  appear  expedient,  he  may 
4  explain  and  apply  ;  that  it  is  to  be  observed  in 
1  remembrance  of  Christ,  to  shew  forth  his  death 
4  till  he  come  ;  that  it  is  of  inestimable  benefit,  to 
4  strengthen  his  people  against  sin ;  to  support 
4  them  under  troubles  ;  to  encourage  and  quicken 
4  them  in  duty  ;  to  inspire  them  with  love  and 
*  zeal ;  to  increase  their  faith  and  holy  resolution  ; 
1  and  to  beget  peace  of  conscience,  and  comforta- 
-c  ble  hopes  of  eternal  life.' 

He  is  to  warn  the  pr  )fane,  the  ignorant,  and 
scandalous,  and  those  that  secretly  indulge  them- 
selves in  any  known  sin,  not  to  approach  the  holy 
table.  On  the  other  hand,  he  shall  invite  to  this 
holy  tabic ,  such  as,  sensible  of  their  lost  and  help- 
less state  by  sin,  depend  upon  the  atonement  of 
Christ  for  pardon  and  acceptance  with  God  ;  such 
as,  being  instructed  in  the  Gospel  doctrine,  have 
a  competent  knowledge  to  discern  the  Lord's  body; 
and  such  as  desire  to  renounce  their  sins,  and  are 
determined  to  lead  a  holy  and  godly  life. 

Sect.  V.  Tiie  table,  on  which  the  elements  are 
placed,  being  decently  covered,  the  bread  in  con- 


408  Directory  for  Worships  fcfc. 

venicnt  dishes,  and  the  wine  in  cups,  and  the  com- 
municants orderly  and  gravely  sitting  around  the 
table,  (or  in  their  seats  before  it)  in  the  presence 
of  the  minister ;  let  him  set  the  elements  apart, 
by  prayer  and  thanksgiving. 

The  bread  and  wine  being  thus  set  apart  by 
prayer  and  thanksgiving,  the  minister  is  to  take 
the  bread,  and  break  it,  in  the  view  of  the  people, 
saying  in  expressions  of  this  sort, 

*  Our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  on  the  same  night  in 
c  which  he  was  betrayed,  having  taken  bread,  and 
1  blessed  and  broken  it,  gave  it  to  his  disciples ; 
4  as  I,  ministering  in  his  name,  give  this  bread 
1  unto  you  ;  saying,  (here  the  bread  is  to  be  dis- 
1  tributed)  Take,  eat ;  this  is  my  body,  which  is 
1  broken  for  you  :  this  do  in  remembrance  of  me.' 

After  having  given  the  bread,  he  shall  take  the 
cup,  and  say, 

i  After  the  same  manner  our  Saviour  also  took 
c  the  cup ;  and  having  given  thanks,  as  hath  been 
c  done  in  his  name,  he  gave  it  to  the  disciples ; 

*  saying,  (while  the  minister  is  repeating  these 
i  words  let  him  give  the  cup)  This  cup  is  the  New 

*  Testament  in  my  blood,  which  is  shed  for  many, 

*  for  the  remission  of  sins  :  drink  ye  all  of  it.' 

The  minister  himself  is  to  communicate,  at  such 
time  as  may  appear  to  him  most  convenient. 

The  minister  may,  in  a  few  words,  put  the 
communicants  in  mind, 

1  Of  the  grace  of  God,  in  Jesus  Christ,  held 
c  forth  in  this  sacrament ;  and  of  their  obligation 
1  to  be  the  Lord's  ;  and  may  exhort  them  to  walk 
1  worthy  of  the  vocation  wherewith  they  are  call- 
4  ed ;  and,  as  they  have  professedly  received  Christ 


Directory  for  Worship,  fcfc.  4©9 

*  Jesus  the  Lord,  that  they  be  careful  so  to  walk 
1  in  him:  and  to  maintain  good  works.' 

It  may  not  be  improper  for  the  minister  to  give 
a  word  of  exhortation  also  to  those  who  have  been 
only  spectators,  reminding  them, 

4  Of  their  duty  ;  stating  their  sin  and  danger,  by 
1  living  in  disobedience  to  Christ,  in  neglecting 
4  this  holy  ordinance ;  and  calling  upon  them  to 
4  be  earnest  in  making  preparation  for  attending 

*  upon  it,  at  the  next  time  of  its  celebration.' 

Then  the  minister  is  to  pray  and  give  thanks  to 
God, 

4  For  his  rich  mercy,  and  invaluable  goodness, 
4  vouchsafed  to  them  in  that  sacred  communion; 

*  to  implore  pardon  for  the  defects  of  the  whole 
4  service ;  and  to  pray  for  the  acceptance  of  their 
4  persons  and  performances ;  for  the  gracious  as- 
4  sistance  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  to  enable  them,  as 
'  they  have  received  Christ  Jesus  the  Lord,  so  to 
4  walk  in  him ;  that  they  may  hold  fast  that  which 
4  they  have  received,  that  no  man  take  their  crown  ; 
4  that  their  conversation  may  be  as  becometh  the 
4  Gospel ;  that  they  may  bear  about  with  them, 
€  continually,  the  dying  of  the  Lord  Jesus;  that 
4  the  life  also  of  Jesus  may  be  manifested  in  their 
4  mortal  body  ;  that  their  light  may  so  shine  be- 
4  fore  men,  that  others,  seeing  their  good  works, 
1  may  glorif\  their  Father,  who  is  in  heaven.' 

The  collection,  for  the  poor,  and  to  defray  the  ex- 
pense of  the  elements,  may  be  made  after  this  ;  or 
at  such  other  time  as  may  seem  meet  to  the  elder- 
ship. 

Now  let  a  psalm  or  hymn  be  sung,  and  the  con- 
gregation dismissed,  with  the  following  or  some 
other  gospel  benediction — 
Mm 


410  Directory  for  Worships  Ss?c. 

1  Now  the  God  of  peace,  that  brought  again 
€  from  the  dead  our  Lord  Jesus,  that  great  Shep- 
1  herd  of  the  sheep,  through  the  blood  of  the  ever- 
c  lasting  covenant,  make  you  perfect  in  every  good 
1  work  to  do  his  will,  working  in  you  that  which 
'  is  well-pleasing  in  his  sight,  through  Jesus  Christ; 
\  to  whom  be  glory  for  ever  and  ever.  Amen? 

Sect.  VI  As  it  has  been  customary,  in  some 
parts  of  the  church,  to  observe  a  fast  before  the 
Lord's  supper ;  to  have  sermon  on  Saturday  and 
Monday  ;  and  to  invite  two  or  three  ministers,  on 
such  occasions ;  and  as  these  seasons  have  been 
blessed  to  many  souls,  and  may  tend  to  keep  up 
a  stricter  union  of  ministers  and  congregations ; 
we  think  it  not  improper,  that  they,  who  choose 
it,  may  continue  in  this  practice. 

CHAPTER  IX. 

OF  THE  ADMISSION  OF  PERSONS  TO  SEALING-OR- 
DINANCES. 

Sect.  I.  jpi  H1LDREN,  born  within  the  pale 
\^_j  of  the  visible  church,  and  dedi- 
cated to  God  in  baptism,  are  under  the  inspection 
and  government  of  the   church ;   and  are  to  be 
taught  to  read,  and  repeat  the  catechism,  the  apos- 
tles' creed,  and  the  Lord's  prayer.     They  are  to 
be  taught  to  pray,  to  abhor  sin,  to  fear  God,  and  to 
obey  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  And,  when  they  come 
to  years  of  discretion,   if  they  be  free  from  scan- 
dal,  appear  sober  and  steady,  and  to  have  sufficient 
knowledge  to  discern  the  Lord's  body,  they  ought 
to  be  informed,   it  is  their  duty,  and  their  privi- 
lege, to  come  to  the  Lord's  supper. 

Sect.  II.  The  years  of  discretion,  in  young 


Directory  for  Worship,  &c.  411 

Christians,  cannot  be  precisely  fixed.  This  must 
be  left  to  the  prudence  of  the  eldership.  The  of- 
ficers of  the  church  are  the  judges  of  the  qualifi- 
cations of  those  to  be  admitted  to  seuling-ordi- 
nances  ;  and  of  the  time  when  it  is  proper  to  ad- 
mit young  Christians  to  them. 

Sect.  III.  Those  who  are  to  be  admitted  to 
sealing- ordinances,  shall  be  examined,  as  to  their 
knowledge  and  piety. 

Sect.  IV.  When  unbaptized  persons  apply  for 
admission  into  the  church,  they  shall,  in  ordinary 
cases,  after  giving  satisfaction  with  respect  to  their 
knowledge  and  piety,  make  a  public  profession  of 
their  faith,  in  the  presence  of  the  congregation ; 
and  thereupon  be  baptized. 

CHAPTER  X. 

OF  THE  MODE  OF  INFLICTING  CHURCH  CENSURES. 

Sect.  I.  V  ■  ^HE  power  which  Christ  hath 
k  given  the  rulers  of  his  church, 
is  for  edification,  and  not  for  destruction.  As, 
in  the  preaching  of  the  word,  the  wicked  are,  doc- 
trinally,  separated  from  the  good;  so,  by  discipline, 
the  church  authoritatively  makes  a  distinction  be- 
tvveen  the  holy  and  the  profane.  In  this  she  acts 
the  part  of  a  tender  mother,  correcting  her  chil- 
dren only  for  their  good,  that  every  one  of  them 
may  be  presented  faultless,  in  the  day  of  the  Lord 
Jesus. 

Sect.  II.  When  any  member  of  the  church  shall 
have  been  guilty  of  a  fault,  deserving  censure,  the 
judicatory  shall  proceed  with  all  tenderness,  and 
restore  their  offending  brother  in  the  spirit  of 
meekness ;  considering  themselves,  lest  they  also 


412  Directory  for  Worship,  fc?c. 

be  tempted.  Censure  ought  to  be  inflicted  with 
great  solemnity ;  that  it  may  be  the  means  of  im- 
pressing the  mind  of  the  delinquent  with  a  pro- 
per sense  of  his  danger,  while  he  stands  exclud- 
ed from  the  privileges  of  the  church  of  the  living 
God ;  and  that,  with  the  divine  blessing,  it  may 
lead  him  to  repentance. 

Sect.  III.  When  the  judicatory  has  resolved  to 
pass  sentence,  suspending  a  member  from  church- 
privileges,  the  moderator  shall  address  him,  to  the 
following  purpose : 

1  Whereas  you  are  guilty  [by  your  own  con- 
1  fession,  or  convicted  by  sufficient  proof,  as  the 
1  case  may  be,]  of  the  sin  of  [here  mention  the 

*  particular  offence]  we  declare  yoususpended  from 
i  the  sacraments  of  the  church ;  till  you  give  sa- 
1  tisfactory  evidence  of  the  sincerity  of  your  re- 

*  pentance.' — To  this  shall  be  added  such  advice, 
admonition,  or  rebuke  as  may  be  judged  necessa- 
ry ;  and  the  whole  shall  be  concluded  by  prayer 
to  almighty  God,  that  he  would  follow  this  act 
of  discipline  with  his  blessing.  We  judge  it 
prudent,  in  general,  that  such  censures  be  inflicted 
in  the  presence  of  the  judicatory  only  ;  but,  if 
any  church  think  it  expedient  to  rebuke  the  of- 
fender publicly,  this  solemn  suspension  from  the 
sacraments  may  be  in  the  presence  of  the  con- 
gregation. 

Sect.  IV.  After  any  person  hath  been  thus 
suspended  from  the  sacraments,  it  is  proper  that 
the  minister  and  elders  and  other  Christians 
should  frequently  converse  with  him,  as  well  as 
pray  for  him  in  private,  that  it  would  please  God 
to  give  him  rep^  ntance.  And  it  may  be  requisite 
likewise,  particularly  on  days  preparatory  to  the 


Directory  for  Worships  tec.  415 

dispensing  of  the  Lord's  supper,  that  the  prayers 
of  the  church  be  offered  up  for  those  unhappy 
persons  who,  by  their  wickedness,  have  shut  them- 
selves out  from  this  holy  communion. 

Sect.  V.  When  the  judicatory  shall  be  satisfi- 
ed,  as  to  the  reality  of  the  repentance  of  any  of- 
fender, he  shall  be  admitted  to  profess  his  repent- 
ance ;  and  be  restored  to  the  privileges  of  the 
church.  Which  restoration  shall  be  declared  to 
the  penitent  in  the  presence  of  the  session,  or  of 
the  congregation,  and  followed  with  prayer  and 
thanksgiving. 

Sect.  VI.  When  any  offender  has  been,  with 
the  advice  of  the  presbytery,  (as  directed  in  the 
form  of  government,  &c.)  adjudged  to  be  cut  off 
from  the  communion  of  the  church,  it  is  proper 
that  the  sentence  be  publicly  pronounced  against 
him. 

Sect.  VII.  The  design  of  excommunication  is, 
to  operate  upon  the  offender  as  a  mean  of  reclaim- 
ing him  ;  to  deliver  the  church  from  the  scandal 
of  his  offence  ;  and  to  inspire  all  with  fear,  by  the 
example  of  his  punishment. 

The  minister  shall,  at  least,  two  Lord's  days 
before  the  excommunication,  give  the  congrega- 
tion a  short  narrative  of  the  several  steps  which 
been  taken  with  respect  to  their  offending 
brother ;  and  inform  them,  that  it  has  been  found 
sary  to  cut  him  off  from  their  communion. 

On  the  day  appointed  for  that  purpose,  the  mi- 
nister, after  sermon  is  ended,  shall  in  the  presence 
of  the  congregation,  pronounce  this  sentence  in 
the  following  or  like  form  : 

He  shall  begin  by  shewing  the  authority  of  the 
Mm2 


414  Directory  for  Worship,   &c. 

church  to  cast  out  unworthy  members,  from  Matu 
xviii.  15,  16,  17,  18.  1  Cor.  v.  1,  2,  3,  4,  5  ; 
and  shall  briefly  explain  the  nature,  use,  and  con- 
sequences of  this  censure  ;  warning  the  people 
to  avoid  all  unnecessary  intercourse  with  him  who 
is  cast  out. 

Then  he  shall  say, 

*  Whereas  A.  B.  hath  been,  by  sufficient  proof,, 

*  convicted  of   [here  insert  the  sin,]   and  after 

*  much  admonition  and  prayer,  obstinately  refus- 
4  eth  to  hear  the  church,  and  hath  manifested  no 
4  evidence  of  repentance  ;  therefore,  in  the  name, 
4  and  by  the  authority  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
4  1  pronounce  him  to  be  excluded  from  the  com- 
4  munion  of  the  church.5 

After  which  prayer  shall  be  made  that  the  bless- 
ing of  God  may  follow  his  ordinance  for  the  con- 
viction and  reformation  of  the  excommunicated 
person,  and  for  the  establishment  of  all  true  be- 
lievers. 

Sect.  VIII.  When  one  who  hath  been  excom- 
municated shall  be  so  affected  with  his  state  as  to 
be  brought  to  repentance,  and  to  desire  to  be  re- 
admitted to  the  privileges  of  the  church  ;  the  ses- 
sion, having  obtained  sufficient  evidence  of  his 
sincere  penitence,  shall,  with  the  advice  and  con- 
currence of  the  presbytery,  restore  him.  In  or- 
der to  which,  the  minister  shall,  on  two  Lord's 
days  previous  thereto,  inform  the  congregation 
of  the  measures  which  have  been  taken  with  the 
excommunicated  person,  and  of  the  resolution  of 
the  session  to  receive  him  again  to  the  communion 
of  the  Church. 

On  the  day  appointed  for  his  restoration,  when 
the  other  parts  of  divine  service  are  ended,  be* 


Directory  for  Worships  &fc.  415 

fore  pronouncing  the  blessing,  the  minister  shall 
call  upon  the  excommunicated  person,  and  pro- 
pose to  him  in  the  presence  of  the  congregation, 
the  following  questions  : 

4  Do  you,  from  a  deep  sense  of  your  great 
4  wickedness,  freely  confess  your  sin,  in  thus  re- 

*  belling  against  God,  and  in  refusing  to  hear  his 
4  church  ;  and  do  you  acknowledge  that  you  have 

*  been  in  justice  and  mercy  cut  off  from  the  com- 
4  munion  of  the  saints  ?    inswer,  I  do.     Do  you 

*  now  voluntarily  profess  your  sincere  repentance 
4  and  deep  contrition,  for  your  sin  and  obstinacy; 
4  and  do  you  humbly  ask  the  forgiveness  of  God 
4  and  of  his  church  ?  Answer,  I  do.  Do  you 
4  sincerely  promise,  through  divine  grace,  to  live 
4  in  all  humbleness  of  mind  and  circumspection ; 
4  and  to  endeavour  to  adorn  the  doctrine  of  God 
4  our  Saviour,  by  having  your  conversation  as 
4  becometh  the  gospel  ?  Answer,  I  do.* 

Here  the  minister  shall  give  the  penitent  a  suit- 
able  exhortation,  addressing  him  in  the  bowels  of 
brotherly  love,  encouraging  and  comforting  him. 
Then  he  shall  pronounce  the  sentence  of  restora- 
tion, in  the  following  words  : 

4  Whereas  you,  A.  B,  have  been  shut  out  from 

*  the  communion  of  the  faithful,  but  have  now 
1  manifested  such  repentance  as  satisfies  the 
4  church :  In  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
4  and  by  his  authority,  I  declare  you  absolved  from 
1  the  sentence  of  excommunication  formerly  de- 
4  nounced  against  you  ;  and  1  do  receive  you  into 
4  the  communion  of  the  church,  that  you  may  be 

*  a  partaker  of  all  the  benefits  of  the  Lord  Jesus, 
1  to  your  eternal  salvation .' 

The  whole  shall  be  concluded  with  prayer,  and 
the  people  dismissed  with  the  usual  blessing. 


416  Directory  for  fTor$hipy  £fc* 

CHAPTER  XI. 

OF  THE  SOLEMNIZATION  OF  MARRIAGE 

Sect.  I.  1%  /CARRIAGE  is  not  a  sacrament ; 

1  y  |    nor  peculiar  to  the  church  of 

Christ.     It  Is  proper  that  every  commonwealth, 

for  the  good  of  society,  make  laws  to  regulate 

marriage ;  which  all  citizens  are  bound  to  obey. 

Sect.  II.  Christians  ought  to  marry  in  the  Lord ; 
therefore  it  is  fit  that  their  marriage  be  solemnized 
by  a  lawful  minister ;  that  special  instruction  may 
be  given  them,  and  suitable  prayers  made,  when 
they  enter  into  this  relation. 

Sect.  III.  Marriage  is  to  be  between  one  maa 
and  one  woman  only  :  and  they  are  not  to  be  with- 
in the  degrees  of  consanguinity  or  affinity  prohi- 
bited by  the  word  of  God. 

Sect.  IV,  The  parties  ought  to  be  of  such 
years  of  discretion  as  to  be  capable  of  making 
their  own  choice ;  and  if  they  be  under  age,  or 
live  with  their  parents,  the  consent  of  the  parents,  . 
or  others,  under  whose  care  they  are,  ought  to 
be  previously  obtained,  and  well  certified  to  the 
minister,  before  he  proceeds  to  solemnize  the 
marriage. 

Sect.  V.  Parents  ought  neither  to  compel  their 
children  to  marry  contrary  to  their  inclinations, 
nor  deny  their  consent  without  just  and  impor- 
tant reasons* 

Sect.  VI.  Marriage  is  of  a  public  nature.  The 
welfare  of  civil  society,  the  happiness  of  families, 
and  the  credit  of  religion,  are  deeply  interested  in 
it.  Therefore  the  purpose  of  marriage  ought  to. 
be  sufficiently  published  a  proper  time,  previously 
to  the  solemnization  of  it.  It  is  enjoined  on  all 
ministers  to  be  careful  that,  in  this  matter,  they 


Directory  for  Worship,  &c.  417 

neither  trangress  the  laws  of  God,  nor  the  laws  of 
the  community  :  And  that  they  may  not  destroy 
the  peace  and  comfort  of  families,  they  must  be 
properly  certified  with  respect  to  the  parties  ap- 
plying to  them,  that  no  just  objections  lie  against 
their  marriage. 

Sect.  VII.  Marriage  must  always  be  performed 
before  a  competent  number  of  witnesses  ;  and  at 
any  time  except  on  a  day  of  public  humiliation, 
And  we  advise  that  it  be  not  on  the  Lord's  day. 
And  the  minister  is  to  give  a  certificate  of  the 
marriage  when  required. 

Sect.  VIII.  When  the  parties  present  them- 
selves  for  marriage,  the  minister  is  to  desire  if 
there  is  any  person  present  who  knows  any  law- 
ful reason  why  these  persons  may  not  be  joined 
together  in  the  marriage- relation,  that  they  will 
now  make  it  known,  or  ever  after  hold  their  peace. 

No  objections  being  made,  he  is  then  severally 
to  address  himself  to  the  parties  to  be  married, 
in  the  following  or  like  words  : 

*  You,  the  man,  declare,  in  the  presence  of 
1  God,  that  you  do  not  know  any  reason  by  pre- 
1  contract  or  otherwise,  why  you  may  not  law- 

*  fully  marry  this  woman.' 

Upon  his  declaring  he  does  not,  the  minister 
shall  address  himself  to  the  bride,  in  the  same  or 
similar  terms  : 

4  You,  the  woman,  declare,  in  the  presence  of 
1  God,  that  you  do  not  know  any  reason,  by  pre- 

*  contract  or  otherwise,  why  you  may  not  lawful- 
1  ly  marry  this  man.' 

Upon  her  declaring  she  does  not,  he  is  to  begin 

with  prayer  for  the  presence  and  blessing  of  God. 

The  minister  shall  then  proceed  to  give  them 


418  Directory  for  Worship,  &c. 

some  instruction,  from  the  scriptures,  respecting 

the  institution  and  duties  of  this  state,  shewing — 

*  That  God  hath   instituted  marriage  ior  the 

4  comfort  and  happiness  of  mankind,  in  declaring 

*  a  man  shall  forsake  his  father  and  mother  and 
4  cleave  unto  his  wife  ;  and  that  marriage  is  ho- 
4  nourable  in  all ;  that  he  hath  appointed  various 
4  duties,  which  are  incumbent  upon  those  who 
4  enter  into  this  relation  ;  such  as,  a  high  esteem 

*  and  mutual  love  for  one  another ;  bearing  with 
4  each  others  infirmities  and  weaknesses,  to  which 
4  human  nature  is  subject  in  its  present  lapsed 
4  state ;  to  encourage  each  other  under  the  various 
1  ills  of  life ;  to  comfort  one  another  in  sickness  ; 
\  in  honesty  and  industry  to  provide  for  each 
4  others  temporal  support ;  to  pray  for  and  encou- 
4  rage  one  another,  in  the  things  which  pertain  to 
4  God,  and  to  their  immortal  souls ;  and  to  live 
4  together  as  the  heirs  of  the  grace  of  life.' 

Then  the  minister  shall  cause  the  bridegroom 
and  bride  to  join  their  hands,  and  shall  pronounce 
the  marriage  covenant,  first  to  the  man,  in  these 
words  : 

1  You  take  this  woman,  whom  you  hold  by  the 
4  hand,  to  be  your  lawful  and  married  wife ;  and 
i  you  promise,  and  covenant,  in  the  presence  of 
4  God  and  these  witnesses,  that  you  will  be  unto 
4  her  a  loving  and  faithful  husband,  until  you  shall 
4  be  separated  by  death.' 

The  bridegroom  shall  express  his  consent,  by 
saying,  4  Yes  I  do.' 

Then  the  minister  shall  address  himself  to  the 
woman  in  these  words  : 

*  You  take  this  man,  whom  you  hold  by  the 
4  hand,  to  be  your  lawful  and  married  husband  ; 


Directory  for  Worship,  &c.  419 

f  and  you  promise,  and  covenant,  in  the  presence 
€  of  God  and  these  witnesses,  that  you  will  be 
4  unto  him  a  loving,  faithful,  and  obedient  wife, 
4  until  you  shall  be  separated  by  death.' 

The  bride  shall  express  her  consent,  by  saying, 
«  Yes  I  do.5 

Then  the  minister  is  to  say : 

*  I  pronounce  you  husband  and  wife,  according 
1  to  the  ordinance  of  God ;  whom  therefore  God 
4  hath  joined  together,  let  no  man  put  asunder.' 

After  this  the  minister  may  exhort  them,  in  a 
few  words,  to  the  mutual  discharge  of  their  duty. 

Then  let  him  conclude  with  prayer  suitable  to 
the  occasion. 

Let  the  minister  keep  a  proper  register  for  the 
names  of  all  persons  whom  he  marries,  and  of  the 
time  of  their  marriage,  for  the  perusal  of  all 
whom  it  may  concern. 

CHAPTER  XII. 

OF  THE  VISI TATION  OF  THE  SICK. 

Sect.  I.  TT7HEN  persons  are  sick,  it  is 
f  f  their  duty,  before  their  ^tren^ih 
and  understanding  fail  them,  to  send  for  their  mi- 
nister,  and  to  make  known  to  him,  with  prudence, 
their  spiritual  state  ;  or  to  consult  nim  on  the  con- 
cerns  of  their  precious  souls :  And  it  is  his  duty 
to  visit  them,  at  their  request,  and  to  apply  him- 
self,  with  all  tenderness  and  love,  to  administer 
spiritual  good  to  their  immortal  souls. 

Sect.  11.  He  shall  instruct  the  sick  out  of  the 
scriptures,  that  di^ease^  arise  not  out  of  the  ground, 
nor  do  they  come  by  chance,  but  that  they  are 
directed  and  sent  by  a  wise  and  holy  God,  either 


420  Directory  for  Worship,  fc?c. 

for  correction  of  sin,  for  the  trial  of  grace,  for 
improvement  in  religion,  or  for  other  important 
ends :  and  that  they  shall  work  together  for  good 
to  all  those  who  make  a  wise  improvement  of 
God's  visitation,  neither  despising  his  chastening 
hand,  nor  fainting  under  his  reuukes. 

beet.  III.  If  the  minister  finds  the  sick  person 
to  be  grossly  ignorant,  he  shall  instruct  him  in  the 
nature  of  repentance  and  faith,  and  the  way  of  ac- 
ceptance with  God,  through  the  mediation  and 
atonement  of  Jesus  Christ. 

Sect.  IV.  He  shall  exhort  the  sick  to  examine 
himself;  to  search  his  heart,  and  try  his  former 
ways,  by  the  word  of  God ;  and  shall  assist  him, 
by  mentioning  some  of  the  obvious  marks  and 
evidences  of  sincere  piety. 

Sect  V.  If  the  sick  shall  signify  any  scruple, 
doubt  or  temptation,  under  which  he  labours,  the 
minister  must  endeavour  to  resolve  his  doubts, 
and  administer  instruction  and  direction,  as  the 
case  may  seem  to  require. 

beet.  VI.  If  the  sick  appear  to  be  a  stupid, 
thoughtless  and  hardened  sinner,  he  shall  endea- 
vour to  awaken  his  mind ;  to  arouse  his  con- 
science ;  to  convince  him  of  the  evil  and  danger  of 
sin  ;  of  the  curse  of  the  law,  and  the  wrath  of 
God  due  to  sinners;  to  bring  him  to  a  humble 
and  penitential  sense  of  his  iniquities  ;  and  to  state 
before  him  the  fulness  of  the  grace  and  mercy  of 
God,  in  and  through  the  glorious  Redeemer  ;  the 
absolute  necessity  of  faith  and  repentance,  in  order 
to  his  being  interested  in  the  favour  of  God,  or 
his  obtaini  g  everlasting  happiness. 

Sect  VII.  If  the  sick  person  shall  appear  to  have 
knowledge,  to  be  of  a  tender  conscience,  and  to 


Directory  for  Worship,  csfc.  421 

have  been  endeavouring  to  serve  God  in  upright- 
ness,  though  not  without  many  failings  and  sinful 
infirmities ;  or  if  his  spirit  be  broken  with  a  sense 
of  sin,  or  through  apprehensions  of  the  want  of 
the  divine  favour ;  then  it  will  be  proper  to  ad- 
minister consolation  and  encouragement  to  him, 
by  setting  before  him  the  freeness  and  riches  of 
the  grace  of  God,  the  all- sufficiency  of  the  righ- 
teousness of  Christ,  and  the  supporting  promises 
of  the  Gospel 

Sect.  VIII.  The  minister  must  endeavour  to 
guard  the  sick  person  against  ill-grounded  per- 
suasions of  the  mercy  of  God,  without  a  vital  union 
to  Christ ;  and  against  unreasonable  fears  of  death, 
and  desponding  discouragements;  against  pre- 
sumption upon  his  own  goodness  and  merit,  upon 
the  one  hand,  and  against  despair  of  the  mercy 
and  grace  of  God  in  Jesus  Christ,  on  the  other. 

Sect.  IX  In  one  word,  it  is  the  minister's  duty 
to  administer  to  the  sick  person  instruction,  con- 
viction, support,  consolation  or  encouragement,  as 
his  case  may  seem  co  require. 

At  a  proper  time,  when  he  is  most  composed, 
the  minister  shall  pray  with  and  lor  him. 

Seci  X.  Lastly,  the  minister  may  improve  the 
present  occasion  to  exhort  those  about  the  sick, 
to  consider  their  mortality  ;  to  turn  to  the  Lord 
and  make  their  peace  with  him  ;  id  health  to  pre- 
pare for  sickness,  death  and  judgment. 

CHAPTER  XIII. 
OF  THE  BURIAL  OF  THE  DEAD. 

Sect.  I.  *%1|[7"HKN  any  person  departs  this 
\j     life,  let  the  corpse   be   taken 
Nn 


422  Directory  for  Worships  fcfc. 

care  of  in  a  decent  manner ;  and  be  kept  a  pro- 
per and  sufficient  time  before  interment. 

Sect.  II.  When  the  season  for  the  funeral 
comes,  let  the  dead  body  be  decently  attended  to 
the  grave,  and  interred.  During  such  solemn  oc- 
casions, let  all  who  attend,  conduct  themselves 
with  becoming  gravity ;  and  apply  themselves  to 
serious  meditation  or  discourse ;  and  the  minister, 
if  present,  may  exhort  them  to  consider  the  frailty 
of  lite  ;  and  the  importance  of  being  prepared  for 
death  and  eternity. 

CHAFrER  XIV. 

Of  Fasting  and  of  the  Observation  of  the  Days  of  Thanksgiving. 

Sect.  1.  rW^HERE  is  no  day  under  the  gospel 
||  commanded  to  be  kept  holy,  ex- 
cept the  Lord's  day,  which  is  the  christian  sabbath. 

Sect.  II.  Nevertheless  to  observe  days  of  fast- 
ing and  thanksgiving,  as  the  extraordinary  dispen- 
sations of  divine  providence  may  direct,  we  judge 
both  scriptural  and  rational. 

Sect.  III.  Fasts  and  thanksgivings  may  be  ob- 
served by  individual  Christians;  or  families,  in 
private;  by  particular  congregations;  by  a  num- 
ber of  congregations  contiguous  to  each  other ; 
by  the  congregations  under  the  care  of  a  presby- 
tery, or  of  a  synod ;  or  by  all  the  congregations  of 
our  church. 

Sect.  IV.  It  must  be  left  to  the  judgment  and 
discretion  of  every  Christian  and  family  to  deter- 
mine, when  it  is  proper  to  observe  a  private  fast 
or  thanksgiving :  and  to  the  church-session  to  de- 
termine for  particular  congregations;  and  to  the 
presbyteries  or  synods  to  determine  for  larger  dis- 
tricts.    When  it  is  deemed  expedient  that  a  last 


Directory  for  IForship,  &c.  423 

er  thanksgiving  should  be  general,  the  call  for 
them  must  be  judged  of  by  the  synod  or  General 
Assembly.  And  if  at  any  time  the  civil  power 
should  think  it  proper  to  appoint  a  fast  or  thanks- 
giving, it  is  the  duty  of  the  ministers  and  people 
of  our  communion,  as  we  live  under  a  Christian 
government,  to  pay  all  due  respect  to  the  same. 

Sect.  V.  Public  notice  is  to  be  given  a  conve- 
nient time  before  the  day  of  fasting  or  thanksgiv- 
ing comes,  that  persons  may  so  order  their  tem- 
poral affairs,  that  they  may  properly  attend  to  the 
duties  thereof. 

Sect,  VI.  There  shall  be  public  worship  upon 
all  such  days ;  and  let  the  prayers,  psalms,  por- 
tions of  scripture  to  be  read,  and  sermons,  be  all, 
in  a  special  manner  adapted  to  the  occasion. 

Sect.  VIJ  On  fast  days,  let  the  minister  point 
out  the  authority  and  providences  calling  to 'he 
observation  thereof;  and  let  him  spend  a  more 
than  usual  pordon  of  time  in  solemn  prayer,  par- 
ticular confession  of  sin,  especially  of  the  sins  of 
the  day  and  place,  with  their  aggravations,  which 
have  brought  down  the  judgments  of  heaven. 
And  let  the  whole  day  be  spent  in  deep  humilia- 
tion and  mourning  before  God 

Sect.  VIII.  On  days  of  thanksgiving,  he  is  to 
give  the  like  information  respecting  the  authority 
and  providences  which  call  to  the  observance  of 
them  ;  and  to  spend  a  more  than  usual  part  of  the 
time  in  the  giving  of  thanks,  agreeably  to  the  oc- 
casion, and  in  singing  psalms  or  hymns  of  j>r»i-e. 

It  is  the  duty  of  people  on  these  days  to  rejoice 
with  holy  gladness  of  heart ;  but  let  tn  mbling  be 
so  joined  with  our  mirth,  that  no  excess  or  unbe- 
coming levity  be  indulged. 


424  Directory  for  Worship,  &c. 

CHAPTER  XV. 

THE  DIRECTORY  FOR  SECRET  AND  FAMILY  WORSHIP. 

Sect.  I.  |T5ESIl)ES  the  public  worship  in  congre- 
5iD  gations,  it  is  the  indispensible  duty  of 
each  person,  alone,  in  secret ;  and  of  every  family,  by 
itself,  in  private,  to  pray  to,  and  worship  God. 

Sect.  fl.  Secret  worship  is  most  plainly  enjoined  by 
our  Lord.  In  this  duty  every  one,  apart  by  himself, 
is  to  spend  some  time  in  prayer,  reading  the  scriptures, 
holy  meditation,  and  serious  self-examination.  The 
many  advantages  arising  from  a  conscientious  discharge 
of  these  duties,  are  best  known  to  those  who  are  found 
in  the  faithful  discharge  of  them. 

Sect.  III.  Family  worship,  which  ought  to  be  per- 
formed by  every  family,  ordinarily  morning  and  even- 
ing, consists  in  prayer,  reading  the  scriptures,  and  sing- 
ing praises. 

Sect.  IV.  The  head  of  the  family,  who  is  to  lead  in 
this  service,  ought  to  be  careful  that  all  the  mem- 
bers of  his  household  duly  attend ;  and  that  none 
withdraw  themselves  unnecessarily  from  any  part  of 
family  worship  ;  and  that  all  refrain  from  their  common 
business  while  the  scriptures  are  read,  and  gravely  at- 
tend to  the  same,  no  less  than  when  prayer  or  praise  is 
offered  up. 

Sect.  V.  Let  the  heads  of  families  be  careful  to  in- 
struct their  children  and  servants  in  the  principles  of  reli- 
gion.— Kvery  proper  opportunity  ought  to  be  embraced 
for  such  instruction.  But  we  are  of  opinion  that  the 
sabbath  evenings,  after  public  worship,  should  be  sacred- 
ly preserved  for  this  purpose.  Therefore  we  highly 
disapprove  of  paying  unnecessary  private  visits  on  the 
Lord's  day ;  admitting  strangers  into  the  families,  ex- 
cept when  necessity  or  charity  requires  it;  or  any  other 
practices,  whatever  plausible  pretences  may  be  offered 
in  their  favour,  if  they  interfere  with  the  above  impor- 
tant and  necessary  duty. 

THE  END. 


At  a  meeting  of  "  The  General  Assembly  of  NU 
"  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  of  Amc? 
"  rica,  held  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  A.  D.  1816. 
The  following  minute  was  made  : 

The  committee  to  which  was  referred  an  inquiry  proposed  to  the 
Assembly  by  the  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia,  relative  to  the  notes 
found  in  the  book  containing  the  Constitution  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church  in  the  United  States  of  America,  reported ;  and  their  report 
being  amended  was  adopted,  and  is  as  follows  :  viz. 

That  the  book  referred  to  was  first  published  with  nothing  but  the 
simple  text,  without  any  Scripture  proofs,  or  any  notes  of  any  tic 
tion  wliatsoever.  This  is  evident  not  only  from  the  minutes  of  tho 
General  Assembly,  but  from  the  numerous  copies  of  this  first  edit-on 
of  the  standards  of  our  Church,  which  are  now  in  existence.  It  is 
also  equally  evident  from  examining  the  records  of  the  General  As- 
sembly, that  not  a  single  note  in  the  book  has  been  added  to,  or  made 
apart'of,  the  Constitution  of  the  Church  since  it  was  first  formed  and 
published,  in  the  manner  above  recited.  Several  alterations  and  ad- 
ditions have  been  made,  by  referring  them  when  contemplated  to  the 
Presbyteries  for  their  decision  thereon,  in  the  manner  pointed  out  in 
the  Constitution  itself.  But  among  all  the  points  thus  referred,  there 
is  not  found  a  single  note  which  now  appears  in  the  book  containing 
the  constitution  of  our  church.  Hence  it  follows  be)  ond  a  doubt,  that 
these  notes  are  no  part  of  the  constitution.  If  then  it  be  enquired, 
how  these  notes  obtained  the  place  winch  they  now  occupy,  and  what 
is  the  character  as  to  authority  which  they  possess  ?  the  answer  is  this 
— When  a  second  edition  of  the  standards  of  our  church  was  needed, 
it  was  thought  by  the  General  Assembly,  that  it  would  be  of  great 
use  in  itself,  highly  agreeable  to  the  members  of  our  church  generally 
as  well  as  conformable  to  the  example  of  the  church  of  Scotland, 
from  which  we  derived  our  origin,  if  the  Scripture  proofs  were  added, 
in  support  of  the  several  parts  and  clauses  of  the  confession  of  faith, 
catechisms  and  form  of  government.  A  committee  was  accordingly- 
appointed  by  the  Assembly,  to  select  the  scripture  proofs,  and  to  pre- 
pare them  for  being  printed  with  the  second  edition  of  the  book.  The 
work  of  the  committee  was  the  following  year  referred  to  another, 
and  ultimately  the  committee  charged  with  preparing  the  scripture 
reported  along  with  these  proofs,  the  notes  which  now  appear 
in  the  book,  and  which  were  approved  by  the  General  Assembly,  and 
directed  to  be  printed  with  the  proofs  in  the  form  in  w  h  ch  they  now 
appear.  These  notes  then  are  explanations  of  some  of  the  principles 
of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  given  by  the  General  Assembly,  and 
which  of  course  the  General  Assembly  may  modify,  or  altogether 
exclude  at  their  pleasure  ;  whereas  the  articles  of  the  Constitution 
must  govern  the  Assembly  themselves,  tod  CSAflOt  be  altered 
ted,  but  in  the  manner  pointed  out  iu  the  Constitution  i! 


On  the  whole,  in  the  book  containing  the  Standards  of  our  Church, 
the  text  alone  contains  the  constitution  of  our  Church  ;  the  notes  are 
an  exposition  of  principles  given  by  the  highest  judicature  of  that 
church,  of  the  same  force  while  they  continue  with  the  other  acts  of 
that  judicature,  but  subject  to  alterations,  amendments,  or  a  total 
erasure,  as  they  shall  judge  proper. 

Resolved,  that  as  it  belongs  to  the  General  Assembly  to  give  direc- 
tion in  regard  to  the  notes  which  accompany  the  constitution  of  which 
they  are  the  supreme  judicatory,  this  Assembly  express  it  as  their 
opinion,  that,  in  printing  future  editions  of  the  Constitution  of  this 
Church,  the  parenthesis  in  the  note,  on  this  part  of  the  form  of  govern- 
ment which  defines  a  Synod,  and  which  is  expressed  in  these  words, 
u  since  a  Synod  is  only  a  larger  Presbytery,"  be  omitted,  as  well  as 
the  note  connected  with  the  scripture  proofs  in  answer  to  the  question 
in  the  large  catechism,  What  is  forbidden  in  the  eighth  command- 
ment ?  in  which  the  nature  of  the^crime  of  manstealing  and  slavery- 
is  dilated  upon. 

In  regard  to  this  last  omission,  the  Assembly  think  proper  to  de- 
clare, that  in  directing  it  they  are  influenced  by  far  other  motives,  than 
any  desire  to  favour  slavery,  or  to  retard  the  extinction  of  that  mourn- 
ful evil,  as  speedily  as  may  consist  with  the  happiness  #f  all  con- 
cerned. 

Resolved  that  the  foregoing  resolution,  with  the  report  of  the  com- 
mittee, sanctioned  by  the  Assembly,  on  the  same  subject,  be  printed, 
and  connected  with  the  last  edition  of  the  confession  of  faith,  cate- 
chisms., form  of  government,  &c.  of  this  Church. 


Attest 

J.  J-  JANEWAY  Stated  Clerk. 


wjm.     ;% 


